can diabetic eye exams spot issues before symptoms

Can Diabetic Eye Exams Spot Issues Before Symptoms?

Having diabetes means always living with extra caution. It is a deadly disease that leaves its impact on other body parts and functions. Your vision is also one of them. Diabetic eye issues begin very quietly. You will continue to see clearly and feel that everything is normal with your eyes. But severe damage is already happening to your vision. This is where diabetic eye exams come in. 

Can this exam really spot issues before the symptoms appear? Let’s find out. 

What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

Diabetic eye exams Beaumont are specialized evaluations designed to detect early signs of eye diseases and conditions associated with diabetes. It is not a routine eye examination, but rather an eye examination that incorporates other assessments to measure visual ability.

Below is its typical content.

  • Dilated eye exam: Drops widen the pupils to allow a full view of the retina and optic nerve.
  • Retinal imaging: High-resolution photos or scans detect changes in blood vessels and tissue.
  • Ocular pressure measurement: Helps rule out glaucoma.

Even when vision appears to be perfectly fine, these tests should be performed at least once a year for every person with diabetes. 

Common Diabetic Eye Conditions Detected Early

Most eye conditions, which are often serious and related to diabetes, can be diagnosed through routine eye checks well before symptoms appear.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the retina causes this; it can begin without altered vision. This is one of the leading causes of blindness among the adult population in the United States. 
  • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling in the area of the retina responsible for sharp vision; may develop quietly.
  • Glaucoma: Raised pressure in the eyes that leads to optic nerve damage; the risk increases for individuals with diabetes.
  • Cataract: Blurriness in the lens of the eye may occur sooner and progress faster in diabetics. 

How do Diabetic Eye Exams Spot Issues Before You Feel Them?

Often, you might wonder how an eye specialist can spot diseases early when you do not even feel anything different. Well, your answer lies in the tools and techniques used in the eye checkup.

  • Microscopic detail: Retinal imaging reveals microaneurysms, fluid leaks, or tiny hemorrhages not visible to the naked eye.
  • Detecting patterns: Doctors compare images yearly to detect changes in blood vessels or tissue structure.
  • Pressure and nerve checks: These checks are for glaucoma-related conditions.

Advantages of Early Detection

Want to know how and why you should prioritise diabetic eye exams? Read on.

  • Better results in treatment: Medicines or lasers often work well in the early stage. 
  • Preventing irreversible damage: Timely treatment stops or slows down the progression of blindness. 
  • Individualized diabetes care: Results from eye exams may put your medical team in a position to adjust its overall care plan.
  • Tailored diabetes management: Eye exams can establish a foundation for your medical team to refine the comprehensive care plan.

Diabetic eye exams provide more than precaution. They uncover secrets that are hiding inside your eyes before you are aware of a problem. Vision loss arising from these diabetic eye diseases can be prevented if caught early.

If you are living with diabetes, do not wait for blurred vision to set an appointment. Schedule an appointment with our clinic today and have your eyes checked.