What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam And Why It’s So Important for Your Vision
- Dr. Ryan Corte
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
If you have diabetes, taking care of your eyes is just as important as managing your blood sugar. That’s because diabetes doesn’t just affect your body, it can also affect the tiny blood vessels inside your eyes, sometimes without you even noticing.
At Reflect Vision Care, our doctors take diabetic eye care seriously. Whether you’re in Charlotte or Asheville, we provide thorough, medical-grade eye exams to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease before it impacts your vision.
What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is a specialized medical eye exam designed for patients with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes.
Unlike a standard eye exam that focuses on updating your glasses or contact lens prescription, a diabetic eye exam evaluates the health of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.
This exam helps detect diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other eye conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
How a Diabetic Eye Exam Differs from a Standard Eye Exam
Both exams are important, but they serve different purposes.
Standard Comprehensive Eye Exam | Diabetic Eye Exam |
Focuses on vision clarity, glasses, and contacts | Focuses on eye health related to diabetes |
Often performed annually for routine vision care | Performed annually (or more often) to monitor eye changes from diabetes |
May or may not include dilation | Always includes dilation or retinal imaging for a detailed view of the retina |
Typically billed through vision insurance (like EyeMed, VSP, Davis Vision, etc.) |
During a diabetic eye exam, our doctors use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, such as Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG) to detect the earliest signs of damage to your retinal blood vessels.
Why Diabetic Eye Exams Are So Important
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness among adults in the United States, and the risk increases the longer you’ve had diabetes.
The most common condition we look for is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when elevated blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina.
Here’s why early detection matters:
In early stages, retinopathy may cause no symptoms.
Without treatment, it can progress to swelling, bleeding, or scarring of the retina.
Early diagnosis allows for intervention before vision loss occurs, through tighter blood sugar control, medication, or laser treatment if needed.
Even if your vision seems fine, irreversible damage can occur silently over time. That’s why annual diabetic eye exams are a critical part of your overall diabetes management.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam at Reflect Vision Care typically includes:
Comprehensive health history review – including your A1C levels, medications, and how long you’ve had diabetes.
Visual acuity testing – to check how clearly you see at various distances.
Pupil dilation or Optomap imaging – allowing us to view the entire retina and detect any bleeding, swelling, or abnormal blood vessels.
Tonometry – to measure your eye pressure and screen for glaucoma (people with diabetes have a higher risk).
OCT retinal scan – providing a cross-sectional image of the retina to detect fluid buildup or subtle changes.
Discussion and recommendations – we’ll review your results and send a medical report to your primary care physician or endocrinologist to coordinate your ongoing care.
Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease
In the early stages, diabetic eye disease is often silent. However, you should contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Spots, floaters, or dark areas in your vision
Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
Eye pain, redness, or light sensitivity
These symptoms may indicate advanced diabetic retinopathy or other complications requiring prompt medical attention.
How Often Should You Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?
According to the American Diabetes Association, everyone with diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam at least once a year.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or other eye complications, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits to monitor and manage changes closely.
Can Diabetic Eye Disease Be Treated?
Yes, especially if detected early. Treatment options may include:
Laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels.
Anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling or bleeding.
Vitrectomy surgery for advanced cases.
Lifestyle management, including blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control.
In many cases, consistent diabetes management and routine exams can slow or even stop progression.
Insurance Coverage for Diabetic Eye Exams
Because this exam is considered medical, it is typically covered by your medical insurance rather than your vision plan.
Reflect Vision Care accepts a wide range of medical insurances, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. Our team can verify your coverage and let you know if any deductible or copay applies before your appointment.
Why Choose Reflect Vision Care for Diabetic Eye Exams
At Reflect Vision Care, we use the latest retinal imaging technology to detect diabetic eye changes earlier than ever before. Our doctors take time to explain your results, answer your questions, and work directly with your healthcare team to ensure your eyes remain as healthy as possible.
We believe early detection and consistent follow-up are key to preserving clear vision for life.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today
If you have diabetes, don’t wait until you notice changes in your vision, prevention starts with early detection.
Schedule your diabetic eye exam at one of our convenient Reflect Vision Care locations:
📞 Call us or schedule online to book your visit today!
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