Your eyes offer a unique window into your overall health. That’s why comprehensive eye exams do much more than just check your vision; they can also reveal early signs of various general health conditions, including diabetes. A comprehensive eye exam can detect signs of diabetes, sometimes even before you notice any other symptoms.
We believe regular check-ups are essential for monitoring both your eye health and your general well-being.
What a Diabetic Eye Exam Can Reveal
During a comprehensive eye exam, we look at the delicate structures inside your eye. Changes to the tiny blood vessels in your retina can be an early indicator of diabetes. If you do have diabetes, diabetic eye exams focus on the health of your retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve.
Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease
During an eye exam carefully look for any subtle differences that might indicate a problem. Possible signs of a problem include:
- Swelling in the retina
- Leaking blood vessels
- Blocked blood vessels
- Abnormal new blood vessel growth
- Changes to the lens of the eye
Identifying these indicators early can help you get the attention you need to protect the health of your eyes.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, often develops slowly. It may cause noticeable changes to your vision and the appearance of your inner eye structures.
Visible Changes Inside the Eye
High blood sugar levels can damage the walls of the blood vessels in the retina, leading to fluid leakage or bleeding inside the eye.
Over time, these changes can affect your ability to see clearly. If not addressed, they may lead to more significant vision problems. Early detection and management are helpful for protecting your sight.
Other Health Problems an Eye Test Can Detect
Your eyes can show signs of other health issues besides diabetes. A thorough eye exam is often the first place where signs of certain systemic conditions appear. Catching these signs early helps you manage your health proactively.
Conditions Visible Through an Eye Exam
The blood vessels in your retina can reflect the health of your entire circulatory system. Because of this, an eye doctor might observe signs related to other conditions. These can include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Autoimmune disorders
- Thyroid disease
Seeing these signs allows us to encourage you to follow up with your family doctor. Your eye exam becomes another tool for staying on top of your general wellness. It’s a simple step with a big impact.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Children & Adults
Diabetic retinopathy can affect people of any age who have diabetes. While it is more common in adults who have had diabetes for many years, children with diabetes can also develop the condition. It’s important to monitor eye health from the moment of diagnosis.
For children and teens, establishing a routine of yearly eye exams can help protect their vision for a lifetime.
How Optometrists Check for Signs of Diabetes
Optometrists use a range of tests and tools to get a clear view of the back of your eye. These procedures are typically part of a comprehensive eye health evaluation.
The Dilated Eye Exam
A dilated eye exam is a common procedure used to spot diabetic eye disease. It involves your eye doctor using special eye drops to widen your pupils.
Widening the pupils allows us to see the entire retina, macula, and optic nerve in detail. It’s like opening a door for a much wider view of your inner eye health. This gives us the best opportunity to check for any signs of damage.
This detailed perspective helps us spot even small changes that could signal a problem. It’s a simple but effective way to screen for diabetic retinopathy.
The Role of an Eye Doctor in Riverside for Your Health
Routine eye care is a key part of maintaining your health. An annual eye exam is a simple and effective step in that direction.
At Total Vision Riverside, our health-based approach considers your individual circumstances and needs. We’re here to provide an exceptional experience for your entire family. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive exam.
