How Often Should Diabetics Get Eye Exams?

Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including the eyes. Even when vision seems clear, diabetes can quietly cause changes that threaten long-term eye health. Regular eye exams are one of the most important steps people with diabetes can take to protect their sight.
 

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

Diabetes impacts the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. These delicate vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to critical structures like the retina.

When blood sugar levels remain high or fluctuate frequently, the blood vessels in the eyes can leak, swell, or become blocked. In some cases, new abnormal blood vessels can form, increasing the risk of vision loss. Because these changes often occur without noticeable symptoms at first, regular eye exams are essential.
 

Common Diabetic-Related Eye Conditions

People with diabetes are at a higher risk for several eye conditions, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the most common diabetes-related eye disease and a leading cause of vision loss in adults. It occurs when damaged blood vessels leak fluid or bleed into the retina. In advanced stages, abnormal blood vessel growth can severely impact vision.
• Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry or dim vision.
• Glaucoma: Diabetes nearly doubles the risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss.
   

What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive eye evaluation designed to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease. It typically includes:

• A detailed review of medical and vision history
• Measurement of visual acuity
• Eye pressure testing
• Pupil dilation to examine the retina and optic nerve
• Retinal imaging or photography, when needed

Dilating the eyes allows the eye doctor to see the blood vessels at the back of the eye clearly and detect changes long before symptoms appear.
 

How Often Should Diabetics Get Eye Exams?

For most people with diabetes, a comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended once every year. Annual exams allow eye doctors to monitor subtle changes and intervene early if needed.

Some individuals may need eye exams more often than once a year, including those who:

• Have existing diabetic retinopathy or macular edema
• Have had diabetes for many years
• Have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels
• Are pregnant and have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol in addition to diabetes

Your eye doctor will recommend a personalized exam schedule based on your eye health and medical history.
 

Stay Ahead of Diabetic Eye Disease with East Windsor Eye Care

If you have diabetes, regular eye exams are essential. Even if your vision seems fine, diabetes can cause hidden damage that only a comprehensive eye exam can detect. Staying consistent with annual exams, or more frequent visits when recommended, is one of the best ways to protect your eyesight for years to come.

Schedule a diabetic eye exam at East Windsor Eye Care for early detection, personalized care, and ongoing monitoring. Visit our office in East Windsor, New Jersey, or call (609) 309-2850 to book an appointment today.