Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetes is a complex condition that affects many aspects of your health, including your eyesight. High blood sugar levels can damage the delicate structures in your eyes, leading to serious vision problems if left untreated. At Eyedeal Vision, Dr. Derrick Badaracco and our team are dedicated to providing comprehensive diabetic eye care to help you preserve your vision and overall eye health.
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How Diabetes Affects Your Vision

Diabetes can lead to several eye complications, some of which can result in permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early. The primary diabetic-related eye conditions include:

Diabetic Retinopathy
One of the most common vision-related complications of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. This can cause:

• Blood vessels to leak fluid or blood

• The formation of new, abnormal blood vessels that can lead to scarring

• Progressive damage that can eventually cause vision loss if untreated
  

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. This swelling can lead to blurry vision and vision loss. DME is a leading cause of blindness among diabetics and requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.

Cataracts
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age. Cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.

Glaucoma
Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, a condition where high pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. Over time, untreated glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss and even blindness.

Why Regular Diabetic Eye Exams Are Essential

Diabetic eye diseases often develop silently, meaning you might not notice symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Early detection through routine diabetic eye exams is the best way to prevent vision loss. These exams allow Dr. Badaracco to identify problems early and recommend treatments to manage or slow disease progression. We recommend that people with diabetes get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, even if their vision seems fine. More frequent exams may be necessary if diabetic eye disease is already present.

What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam

A comprehensive diabetic eye exam at Eyedeal Vision involves advanced diagnostic tests to evaluate your eye health thoroughly. Here’s what you can expect:

• Dilated Eye Exam: Dilating eye drops will be used to widen your pupils, allowing Dr. Badaracco to get a clear view of the retina and optic nerve. This helps detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other retinal changes.

• Retinal Imaging with Optos: We use Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging to capture a high-resolution image of your retina without the need for dilation in most cases. This technology allows us to detect early changes in the retina caused by diabetes and other eye diseases.

• Fluorescein Angiography: If signs of diabetic retinopathy are present, fluorescein angiography may be performed. This test uses a special dye injected into the bloodstream to highlight leaking or abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

• Tonometry: This test measures intraocular pressure (IOP) to assess your risk for glaucoma.

• Visual Acuity and Refraction Testing: Your visual sharpness will be tested, and any necessary prescription changes for glasses or contacts will be evaluated.

If you have diabetes, schedule a comprehensive diabetic eye exam at Eyedeal Vision. Early detection and proactive care can make all the difference in preserving your vision for years to come. Contact us in Alpharetta, GA, to book your appointment today