Middletown Location

(302) 378-8818

New Castle Location

(302) 276-0170

Diabetic Eye Conditions

Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to several health complications, including in the eyes. That’s why it’s so important for people with diabetes to get comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis. If you live in Middletown or New Castle, schedule an eye exam at Middletown Eye Care.

Diabetic Eye Conditions

What Are Diabetic Eye Conditions?

There are several different types of diabetic eye conditions, all of which can lead to vision problems or even blindness. Some of the most common include:

  • Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) causes them to leak fluid or bleed. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74.
  • Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve (the nerve that carries signals from the eye to the brain). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
  • Cataracts: The lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts are usually age-related, but people with diabetes are more likely to develop them at a younger age.

What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A comprehensive diabetic eye exam usually has three parts:

  • A visual acuity test: This measures how well you see at different distances.
  • A dilated fundus examination: After numbing your eyes with drops, your eye doctor will widen your pupils with additional drops so they can better examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage.
  • Tonometry: This measures pressure inside your eyes, which can be an early sign of glaucoma.

Based on the results of these tests, your eye doctor may recommend additional tests or treatments.

How Often Should I Get a Diabetic Eye Exam?

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with type 1 diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year starting five years after diagnosis. People with type 2 diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year as soon as they are diagnosed. If you have diabetes and don’t currently have any vision problems, you may only need annual screenings instead of full exams.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam at Middletown Eye Care

If you have diabetes, it is important to catch any problems early. Our eye doctors at Middletown Eye Care provide a variety of quality eye care services to detect and treat any vision issues related to diabetes. If you have concerns about your eye health or it has been a while since your last eye exam, call our team today at (302) 378-8818 or you can reach us through our website by using our online contact form.

Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Middletown Office

Monday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

New Castle Office

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed