Diabetic‑Related Eye Exams in Winston‑Salem, NC

Why Diabetic Eye Exams Matter

People with diabetes, including both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes‑related eye conditions. Because these conditions often do not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, regular diabetic eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment.

Early detection through specialized diabetic‑related exams can:

• Prevent or slow vision loss from diabetic retinopathy

• Identify other diabetes‑associated eye problems earlier

• Help guide diabetes management to protect long‑term vision

• Support timely referrals and interventions when needed

Experts recommend that patients with diabetes receive a dilated eye exam at least once a year to screen for diabetic eye disease even before vision changes occur.

What to Expect During a Diabetic‑Related Eye Exam

The process of a diabetic eye exam at Summit Eye Care is simple, non-invasive, and often included as part of a comprehensive eye exam. Most patients don’t even realize a specific test for diabetes-related eye complications is being performed.

During your exam:

1. Pupil Dilation - Eye drops are administered to temporarily blur your vision. They may sting slightly at first, but this sensation passes quickly. The dilation allows your doctor to examine the retina and other structures at the back of your eye.
2. Retinal Imaging - You will rest your head on a device and look through a lens toward a camera. High-resolution images of the back of your eyes are taken, capturing the retina and other critical structures. You may see a brief flash during imaging, but the process is painless.
3. Visual Acuity Testing - You will read letters from a chart at a distance and from a card held in front of you to assess how clearly you see.

The information gathered during these tests helps your eye doctor determine if there are any signs of diabetic retinopathy or other diabetes-related eye conditions. If abnormalities are detected, your doctor will discuss the best plan to protect your vision, which may include:

• Adjusting diabetes management strategies

• Medications or therapies

• Additional treatments if necessary

Your care plan will be tailored to your individual circumstances to preserve your long-term eye health and vision.

Am I at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease?

Certain factors increase your risk for developing diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy. Understanding these risks helps you and your eye doctor take proactive steps to protect your vision.

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

• Have had diabetes for more than 5 years

• Have poorly controlled blood sugar levels

• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol

• Are pregnant and have pre-existing diabetes

• Have a family history of diabetic eye disease

Even if you do not have noticeable vision changes, early diabetic eye disease often develops silently. That’s why annual diabetic eye exams are essential for everyone with diabetes, especially if you have one or more of the risk factors listed above.

By identifying changes early, your eye doctor can implement treatments and lifestyle adjustments to help prevent or slow vision loss.