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Diabetic Eye Exams in Corpus Christi, Texas

Diabetic Eye Exams

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MONITORING YOUR EYES IS PART OF MANAGING DIABETES

Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes Before You Notice a Change

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These changes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which may develop without noticeable symptoms at first.

A diabetic eye exam helps your optometrist look for early signs of diabetes-related eye disease and determine whether your eyes need closer monitoring or additional care.

Corpus Cristi Eye Professionals plans to provide diabetic eye care as its medical services expand. Because medical insurance credentialing is still being completed, please contact the office to confirm current availability.

Yearly Dilated Eye Exams Help Protect Your Vision

Most people with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Dilating the pupils allows your eye doctor to get a clearer view of the retina and the blood vessels at the back of the eye, where diabetic changes can occur.

If diabetic retinopathy is already present, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits based on what they find.

A Diabetic Eye Exam Looks Closely at the Retina

A diabetic eye exam includes a detailed evaluation of your vision and eye health, with particular attention to the retina.

Depending on your needs, your visit may include:

  • Checking how clearly you see
  • Dilating your pupils to examine the retina
  • Looking for changes in retinal blood vessels
  • Checking eye pressure
  • Assessing other parts of the eye for diabetes-related changes
  • Determining whether follow-up or referral is needed

Diabetic Retinopathy Often Starts Without Symptoms

Early diabetic retinopathy may not change your vision at all. That is one reason routine diabetic eye exams matter, even when you feel you can see well.

As the condition progresses, symptoms can include blurry vision, floating spots, dark areas, difficulty seeing detail, or vision loss.

If you notice a sudden change in vision, contact an eye care provider promptly rather than waiting for your next scheduled eye exam.

Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes Can Affect Eye Health

Anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. Risk generally increases the longer you have diabetes, and high blood pressure or high cholesterol can add to the risk of vision problems.

Pregnancy can also change diabetic retinopathy risk. If you have diabetes and become pregnant, your medical and eye care teams may recommend closer monitoring.

Diabetic Eye Disease Includes More Than Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the best-known diabetes-related eye condition, but diabetes can also increase the likelihood of other problems, including cataracts and glaucoma.

A comprehensive diabetic eye exam gives your optometrist an opportunity to look beyond one condition and assess your overall eye health.

Keep Your Diabetic Eye Exam on Your Health Checklist

You do not need to wait for blurry vision or another symptom to have your eyes checked. Regular dilated eye exams can help identify diabetes-related changes while you still have time to respond appropriately.

Contact Corpus Cristi Eye Professionals to confirm current diabetic eye exam availability and schedule the right visit for your needs.