Diabetes Eye Tests

Diabetes Eye Tests FAQ

What is a diabetes eye test?

A diabetes eye test helps the Network Eye team identify eye damage from diabetes in the earliest stages.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes sugar levels in your blood to remain high. Over time, this causes damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. Because symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may not be noticeable until damage in your eye worsens, diabetes eye tests are important for preventing vision loss.

How often do I need a diabetes eye test?

While the physician you see to manage your diabetes may perform vision tests as part of your routine care, you still need to schedule diabetes eye tests with retina specialists like the team at Network Eye.

They recommend that anyone with diabetes get a diabetes eye test every year so that the team can monitor any changes in your eye health from one visit to the next. They also recommend that you schedule a diagnostic eye test as soon as you have any changes in your vision or experience eye pain or other unusual symptoms.

The team performs comprehensive eye exams using advanced technologies that provide them with detailed images of the back of your eye.

What happens during a diabetes eye test?

There are several parts of a diabetes eye test that Network Eye offers for people with diabetes. During your appointment, the team may use tests like:

Digital retinal scan

The team uses the IDx-DR technology to take photos of the back of your eye without the need for dilation. This gives the physicians a clear visual of your retina and other eye structures to identify diabetes-related damage.

A digital retinal exam can also help the team determine if you need additional testing or treatment for issues they find.

Snellen chart test

The Snellen chart can help identify vision issues that may result from diabetic retinopathy. The team may ask you to read a series of letters from the chart during your test.

Dilated retinal exam

To get clear access to the retina at the back of your eye, the team may need to administer eye drops that widen (dilate) your pupil. They use a special magnifying device and a bright light to check the blood vessels in your eye, your retina, and your optic nerve.

They may also use a slit lamp to see your cornea, the clear surface of your eye.

What can I expect after a diabetes eye test?

If you need additional testing or treatment, the team at Network Eye will work with you to schedule follow-on diagnostic testing to determine the best care plan for you. This may include additional tests, a period of monitoring, or immediate treatment.

To schedule a diabetes eye test, call Network Eye or book an appointment online today.