Managing diabetes means staying proactive about your eye health. Regular diabetic eye exams are essential to detecting and managing diabetic eye problems before they lead to permanent vision loss. At Eyecare Plus Scottsdale, our experienced team takes a thorough, patient-focused approach to ensure your eye health is protected. Below, our Scottsdale eye care team at Eyecare Plus Scottsdale discusses what you can expect during your diabetic eye exam in Scottsdale.
Comprehensive Medical History
Before your eye exam begins, your eye care professional will discuss your medical history, including your diabetes management and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Whether you’ve noticed changes like blurry vision, floaters, or fuzzy vision with contacts, it’s essential to share these details. The more your eye doctor knows, the better they can tailor the exam to your needs.
Visual Acuity and Eye Pressure Tests
The exam usually starts with standard vision tests to measure how well you see at different distances. You may also undergo a tonometry test to measure the pressure inside your eye, helping detect signs of glaucoma, which is more common among diabetic patients.
Dilated Eye Exam: A Closer Look at Your Retina 
A crucial part of the eye exam for diabetes is the dilated eye exam. Your eye doctor will place dilating drops in your eyes to widen your pupils, giving a better view of the retina and optic nerve. This step might cause your vision to blur temporarily and make your eyes more sensitive to light, so consider bringing sunglasses and having someone drive you home.
Once your pupils are dilated, your doctor will use a special magnifying lens and bright light to examine the retina and optic nerve for any signs of diabetic retinopathy or other diabetic eye problems. Typical diabetic retinopathy eye exam findings include:
- Microaneurysms: Tiny bulges in blood vessels
- Hemorrhages: Small blood vessel leaks
- Cotton Wool Spots: Areas of retinal swelling
- Neovascularization: New, fragile blood vessels forming on the retina
Retinal Imaging and OCT Scans
Advanced imaging technology like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is often used to obtain detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. OCT scans help detect macular edema, which can cause vision loss if left untreated. Additionally, retinal photography provides high-resolution images of the retina to document and monitor changes over time. These tests are painless and take just a few minutes but provide invaluable insights into your eye health.
Discussing Your Results and Treatment Options
After completing your diabetic eye exam, your eye doctor will discuss the results with you. If the findings of your diabetic retinopathy eye exam indicate early signs of damage, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatments or follow-up exams. Managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol is crucial to preventing disease progression. In some cases, treatments like laser therapy or injections may be recommended to protect your vision.
Why Early Screening Matters
Diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Early detection and prompt treatment are vital to preserving your sight. Regular diabetic eye exams—even if you’re not experiencing symptoms—are the best way to catch changes early and prevent vision loss.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam in Scottsdale Today
Protecting your vision is a critical part of diabetes management. At Eyecare Plus Scottsdale, we make diabetic eye exams comfortable and informative, guiding you through each step with care and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule your diabetic eye exam in Scottsdale and ensure your eyes are well-protected against diabetic complications.