Diabetic Eye Exam in Tulsa OK.
Diabetes is a serious disease. It affects major body systems, your extremities, and your eyes. Your vision is precious, and regular diabetic eye exams can help protect your eyes and your vision.
How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes
Diabetes causes excess sugar to stay in your blood. The excess sugar can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. Blood and fluid can leak into the retina of your eyes, causing a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. About 30 percent of people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy.
Who Needs a Diabetic Eye Exam
You need a diabetic eye exam if you:
- Have type 1 diabetes–you should schedule a diabetic eye exam within 5 years of your diagnosis
- Have type 2 diabetes–you should schedule an eye exam immediately following your diagnosis
- Are pregnant and have gestational diabetes–you should schedule an eye exam within the first 3 months of pregnancy, and then again one year after the birth of your baby
How Often You Need a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam is recommended at least once annually. When you have an annual diabetic eye exam, it can identify early signs of eye damage, so your eye doctor can treat you.
What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam is like a regular eye exam, but with a specific focus on the retina and blood vessels in your eyes. During your diabetic eye exam, your eye doctor will:
- Dilate your pupils, to examine the inner structures of your eyes
- Use fluorescein angiography, which uses dye to identify damaged blood vessels
- Use Optical coherence tomography (OCT), to detect thinning or thickening blood vessels which may be leaking fluid
- Perform a glaucoma test, to identify glaucoma in its early stages
- Perform a vision test, to measure your distance and near vision
Contact Us
To learn more about a diabetic eye exam and how it can help you,
Click here or call Tulsa Eye Associates in Tulsa, OK at (918) 492-8455.