Diabetic Eye Exam Specialist
If you have diabetes, it’s vitally important to schedule a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. At Rhody Eye Care in Westerly, Rhode Island, experienced optometrist Michele Levy, OD, FAAO, uses cutting-edge technology like the Optomap® retinal exam to diagnose serious diseases like diabetic retinopathy. With timely diagnosis of diabetic eye disease, you can start the treatments needed to maximize your vision now and in the future. Book your appointment online or call the office for assistance.
Diabetic Eye Exam Q & A
What is a diabetic eye exam?
A diabetic eye exam is specifically for diabetes sufferers. Diabetes can cause serious damage within the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to certain diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy.
But, this type of eye damage might not cause any symptoms until the condition is very advanced. You need a diabetic eye exam regularly to identify eye damage as soon as possible.
During your diabetic eye exam, Dr. Levy can diagnose changes in your eyes in the early stages. Then, she can help you take action to stop the disease progression.
What happens in a diabetic eye exam?
A diabetic eye exam focuses on identifying and preventing disease.
Eye chart and refraction tests
Dr. Levy checks your eyesight as you read an eye chart and performs other refraction tests. If you need new glasses or contact lenses, Dr. Levy can determine the best prescription for optimal eyesight.
Eye health exams
Dr. Levy examines your corneas as well as the back of your eyes under magnification. For highly detailed imaging, Dr. Levy also uses the state-of-the-art Optomap system.
Optomap is an ultra-widefield exam of your retina that doesn't require eye dilation. In less than a second, Dr. Levy can capture an extremely detailed 200° image of your retina. Then, she can review the results with you there in the exam room.
Optomap can detect retina problems of all kinds, including not only diabetic retinopathy but also retinal detachment, retinal holes, and age-related macular degeneration in their earliest forms.
With an Optomap exam, Dr. Levy can also detect the early signs of systemic disease, such as cancer and heart disease.
Glaucoma screening
If you have diabetes, your risk of glaucoma doubles. At Rhody Eye Care, Dr. Levy uses the cutting-edge GDx Access™ system to find glaucoma at the earliest stages, long before you have any symptoms.
The GDx Access system uses a laser to measure your retinal nerve fiber layer. This reveals structural damage indicative of glaucoma. Traditional glaucoma tests often miss glaucoma in the early stages, but this method reliably identifies the disease.
Your exam may also include other tests, based on your issues and eye health history.
How often do I need diabetic eye exams?
If you're newly diagnosed with diabetes, schedule a diabetic eye exam immediately. About 20% of type 2 diabetes sufferers already have eye damage at the time of diagnosis.
All diabetes sufferers need diabetic eye exams on a regular basis, as recommended by Dr. Levy. For many adults, this means annual exams, but depending on your eye issues, you could need more frequent checkups.
For diabetic eye exams using the latest equipment, call Rhody Eye Care.