Remembering the Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams

Advice from Maxwell Elia, MD, Catholic Medical Center affiliated Ophthalmologist in Manchester and Bedford

Diabetic eye screening is an important part of diabetes care. People with diabetes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if it's not treated. Unfortunately, diabetes is the most common cause of vision loss among working aged adults in the United States. It occurs when diabetes affects small blood vessels, damaging the part of the eye called the retina.

Many people have diabetic retinopathy and do not know it because the condition has no symptoms in the early stages. Over time, diabetic retinopathy may cause blurry vision, increasing floaters, or blank or dark areas in the vision.

Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy involves dilating drops that allow an eye doctor to look into the back of the eye. If diabetic retinopathy is found, treatment is typically performed by a retina specialist using either specialized medications or lasers.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends annual dilated eye exams for patients with diabetes.