Enhancing Health Outcomes with Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Exams
Diabetic retinopathy eye exam
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness, yet fewer than half of people with diabetes in the U.S. receive timely screening exams. With early detection and treatment, the risk of vision loss can be reduced by up to 95%.
Solution: Dr. Anderson provides convenient, effective diabetic eye screenings, covered by most medical insurance plans.
Diabetic Retinopathy: The Leading Cause of Preventable Vision Loss
More than 60% of individuals with diabetes will show signs of diabetic retinopathy at some point in their lifetime.
In the United States, documented screening compliance rates are below 50%.
Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent vision loss in as many as 95% of cases.
The Problem: Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms—clear vision can mask the disease.
Diabetic retinopathy can progress without you realizing it. In the early stages, symptoms are minimal—sometimes just subtle vision changes that may be mistaken for aging, or none at all.
This is why regular eye screenings are a vital part of managing your health if you have diabetes.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina. Leaking vessels cause the retina to swell and thicken. If the leakage involves the macula—the central part of the retina—vision becomes blurred. When leaks occur in the peripheral retina, vision may remain unaffected.
What’s Included in a Diabetic Eye Exam?
What will happen?
The exam includes checking vision and eye pressure, followed by a brief slit lamp evaluation. Dilating drops are then used to enlarge the pupils, allowing a retinal photograph to be taken. Finally, the ophthalmologist reviews the images and performs a complete examination, going over all results.
After your exam
You’ll receive one of three results:
No retinopathy
Mild diabetic retinopathy
Referable retinopathy requiring a specialist
The first two only need monitoring, while the third typically requires further evaluation and treatment planning.
Since your pupils will be dilated, expect temporary light sensitivity. Bring sunglasses for comfort and arrange for someone to drive you home.