How can opticians diagnose diabetes

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Members Members. Eyewear and Wellness. Ask an Eye Doctor. Can an Eye Exam Detect Diabetes?

Can you detect diabetes through an eye exam? But a lack of awareness of one… Read More ». Life is full of moments. Some are simple habits like putting our shoes on in the morning or brushing our… Read More ». Your email address will not be published. Skip to content Diabetes has become one the biggest public health issues of our times. Find an optometrist in your local area here. Share this:. Strict glycemic control is the most effective tool in preventing diabetic retinopathy.

Early detection and working closely with your doctor to manage your diabetes is important. Other medical conditions or diseases may also increase your risk of developing retinopathy. They include high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol. African-Americans and Hispanics have a greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy than the general population.

The best way to handle eye problems related to diabetes is through early detection of retinal abnormalities, regular monitoring, and prompt treatment. Early detection and treatment typically begin with the retinal exam.

The American Diabetes Association ADA recommends that people with type 1 diabetes have their first eye exam within the first five years after diagnosis. If you have type 2 diabetes, the ADA recommends that you have your first eye exam shortly after you receive a diagnosis. This is because type 2 diabetes often goes undetected and undiagnosed for years. Retinopathy may have already begun during that time.

An eye exam will help your doctor determine if you already have damage. The ADA recommends you have an eye exam each year after your first exam. If you wear glasses or contacts, you probably need an annual eye exam to keep your prescription up to date. During that exam, your doctor will conduct a few minor tests to see if your vision has changed as a result of diabetes. If your doctor diagnoses you with retinopathy and treats you for it, they may request exams several times per year.

The number of eye exams you need each year will depend largely on the severity of the retinopathy. The only way to diagnose diabetic retinopathy is to have a dilated eye exam. For this test, your ophthalmologist will place drops in your eyes to widen, or dilate, your pupils. Dilating your pupils helps your doctor to see inside your eyes more easily and inspect for damage caused by retinopathy.

OCT provides images of your eyes. These views are taken from a cross-section so your doctor can see very fine details of your eyes. These images show the thickness of your retina and where fluid might leak from damaged blood vessels. Then, while your eyes are still dilated, your doctor will inject a special dye into your arm.