Diabetic Eye Exams | Diabetic Eye Care in Florida

If You Have Diabetes, It’s Time for an Eye Exam

Diabetes is a common concern many Americans share. This systemic disease can change several aspects of your life and increase the risk of various health complications. Some of these issues can also affect your eye health, putting your vision at risk.

If you have diabetes, it’s time to find help managing your eye health. Our diabetic retinal exam processes dive deep into the structures that supply your vision, their health, and the ways diabetes can affect them.

It’s never too late to take control of your eye health. Get in touch with us to book your next appointment.

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How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

Regular diabetic eye exams are essential for detecting the early signs of eye diseases, including those related to diabetes. At our Florida locations, we focus on personalized diabetic eye care to help protect your vision for the long term.

Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects how your body manages and processes sugar in your bloodstream. Depending on the type of diabetes you have, your body may affect or limit the amount of insulin you have—a hormone your blood cells use to access sugar in your bloodstream.

Over time, diabetes can increase your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can increase the risk of several health conditions, including some that affect your eyes. As high blood sugar damages your retina’s blood vessels, your risk of developing a range of eye diseases and conditions increases.

You can find help managing diabetes by following your physician’s advice. However, if diabetes affects your vision, our team can develop strategies to help preserve your eyesight.

Senior patient undergoing comprehensive eye examination

Common Diabetes-Related Diseases & Conditions

A diabetes eye test is the first step we take to detect any issues that may be affecting your eye health. We use an array of high-powered, advanced technology to get a clear view of the structures in your eye, like the retina, macula, optic nerve, and beyond.

Some of the technology we use include:

From the information we gather from your exam, we can help you manage your eye health with strategies catered to your needs. In some cases, you can lower your risk of developing an eye disease by managing your blood sugar levels.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common diseases related to diabetes.

This disease damages blood vessels in your retina, causing them to bulge, break, and leak fluid. Over time, the fluids can lead to vision loss.

Most people develop an early version of the disease known as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, it can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which can increase your risk of having retinal detachment and sudden vision loss.

Diabetic Macular Edema

When fluid leaks into your retina due to damaged blood vessels, it can build up in other areas of your eye, like under your macula.

This disease, known as diabetic macular edema, can progress from diabetic retinopathy, and it affects the quality and clarity of your central vision. Over time, you can develop difficulties reading, writing, driving, or even recognizing faces.

Open-Angle & Neovascular Glaucoma

Open-angle and neurovascular glaucoma are eye diseases that affect your optic nerve.

Your optic nerve is responsible for transmitting the information your retina receives to the brain, providing you with sight. Over time, the pressure inside your eye known as high intraocular pressure (IOP) can damage your optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

Diabetes can double your risk of developing open-angle glaucoma and is a common factor in the development of neurovascular glaucoma. Please visit our Glaucoma page for more information about these diseases.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition that develops as you age. However, diabetes can increase the risk of developing cataracts earlier in life.

Glasses and contact lenses can help correct vision problems related to early cataract development, but cataract surgery is the only way to treat the condition and restore your vision’s clarity.

Visit our Laser Cataract Surgery page to see how this procedure can help you find the vision you deserve.

Get Help Managing Your Eye Health

The help you need to preserve your vision awaits you at Lake Eye Associates in Florida. Our team of compassionate diabetic eye care professionals, including skilled diabetic eye doctors, is ready to help you find and maintain the clarity you deserve. All you have to do is book an appointment with us today.

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FAQ

Are diabetic eye exams different from regular eye exams?

Yes. A diabetic eye exam focuses on detecting damage caused by diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or retinal circulation changes. In addition to a comprehensive vision check, your eyes are dilated to allow a closer look at the retinal blood vessels. At Lake Eye Associates, this detailed evaluation helps protect long-term vision.

What do they do during a diabetic eye exam?

During a diabetic eye exam, your doctor evaluates visual acuity, eye pressure, and overall eye health. After dilation, the retina is carefully examined for signs of bleeding, swelling, or abnormal blood vessels. Advanced imaging may also be used. At Lake Eye Associates, the goal is early detection before vision changes become permanent.

Will insurance cover a diabetic eye exam at Lake Eye Associates?

Most medical insurance plans, including Medicare, typically cover diabetic eye exams because they are considered medically necessary. Coverage may vary depending on your provider and policy. Lake Eye Associates can help verify your benefits and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before your appointment, so there are no surprises.

Is a diabetic eye exam painful?

No, a diabetic eye exam is not painful. You may experience mild discomfort from bright lights or temporary blurred vision after using dilation drops. These effects usually fade within a few hours. The exam itself is non-invasive and designed to be thorough while keeping you comfortable throughout the visit.

How long does a diabetic eye exam usually take?

A diabetic eye exam typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The dilation process requires additional time for the drops to take effect before the retina can be fully examined. Lake Eye Associates ensures each step is completed carefully to provide a thorough evaluation without feeling rushed.

Our Locations

We are a proud partner of US Eye, a leading group of patient-centric, vertically integrated multi-specialty physician practices providing patients with care in ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology and cosmetic facial surgery.

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