Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetic Eye Exam Services

Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar — it can have a profound impact on your eyes and vision. At Optic Gallery Fort Apache, we provide thorough, medically focused diabetic eye exams designed to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease and preserve your long-term vision.

Diabetes can interfere with the body’s ability to process and store sugar, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny, delicate blood vessels throughout the body, especially those in the eyes. This damage can silently progress without symptoms — which is why routine diabetic eye exams are critical to preventing irreversible vision loss.

Diabetes is currently the leading cause of blindness in adults in the United States. With early detection, consistent eye care, and good management of your blood sugar, many serious eye conditions can be slowed or even prevented.

What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam includes many of the same tests as a routine comprehensive exam, but it goes a step further by focusing on the retina and the health of the eye’s internal blood vessels. Your optometrist will carefully examine the back of your eye for early signs of damage caused by diabetes, using advanced technology like dilation, OCT retinal scans, and digital retinal photography for a clear, detailed view.

Even if you are not experiencing vision problems now, diabetic changes in the eye can begin long before symptoms appear. That’s why regular exams are not only recommended — they’re essential.

Why Are Diabetic Eye Exams So Important?

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing a number of serious eye conditions, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy – Damage to the blood vessels of the retina, which can cause bleeding, swelling, and vision changes.
  
  

• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, often occurring in more advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy.
  
  

• Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which may occur earlier and progress more rapidly in individuals with diabetes.
  
  

• Glaucoma – A group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often associated with increased pressure in the eye; people with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop glaucoma.
  
  

These complications can lead to blurred vision, blind spots, or permanent vision loss if not caught early. The good news? Many of these conditions can be treated or managed effectively if they are diagnosed in the early stages.

When Should I Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam?

If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends an annual dilated eye exam, even if your vision seems normal. If you are newly diagnosed, schedule your first diabetic eye exam promptly to establish a baseline.

You should also contact your optometrist immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
  
  

• Sudden vision loss
  
  

• Dark spots, strings, or “floaters” in your field of vision
  
  

• Empty or dark areas in your vision
  
  

• Difficulty seeing at night
  
  

These could be signs of active damage inside the eye and should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Ongoing Eye Health Monitoring

At Optic Gallery Fort Apache, we use non-invasive diagnostic tools like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Digital Retinal Photography to capture precise images of your retina during your exam. Many of our diabetic patients prefer this method because it is quick, comfortable, and allows us to track changes over time without the need for dilation. These detailed images are saved to your record, making it easier to detect even subtle changes from year to year.

Our optometrists are experienced in detecting early signs of diabetic eye complications and work closely with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to ensure your eye care is fully integrated into your diabetes management plan.

Protecting Your Vision

Your eyes deserve the same level of care and attention as the rest of your body. At Optic Gallery Fort Apache, we’re committed to helping patients with diabetes maintain clear, healthy vision through expert care, advanced technology, and proactive monitoring.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam today and take the next step in protecting your vision for the future.