If you’re living with diabetes, regular eye exams are essential to protecting your vision. Diabetes can lead to several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts. At Clarity Vision in Williamston, NC, we offer comprehensive diabetic eye exams to detect early signs of these conditions and help you maintain long-term eye health.

What is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a specialized, comprehensive evaluation of the eyes designed to detect vision problems and eye diseases related to diabetes. Unlike a routine vision screening, this exam focuses on assessing the health of the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve to identify signs of diabetic eye conditions before noticeable symptoms appear. The exam typically includes a visual acuity test, and pupil dilation to view the back of the eye. Here’s how to prepare for your appointment so you can get the most out of your exam.

Know Your Medical History

Before your appointment, gather important details about your health. Your eye doctor will need to know:
 

• How long you’ve had diabetes

• Your most recent A1C levels

• Any history of high blood pressure or cholesterol

• Medications you’re currently taking

This information helps us understand your risk factors and personalize your care.

Bring Your Current Glasses or Contact Lenses

If you already wear prescription lenses, bring them with you to the exam. This allows us to check for any changes in your prescription and ensure your vision correction is still effective. It also helps us compare your current prescription with our findings during the exam to identify any vision changes that may be related to diabetic complications. Even subtle shifts in vision can be a sign of underlying issues, so having your current lenses on hand gives us a more complete picture of your eye health.

Expect Pupil Dilation

During a diabetic eye exam, we typically dilate your pupils to examine the retina and blood vessels at the back of your eye. This allows us to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other issues. Dilation may cause light sensitivity and blurry vision for a few hours, so plan accordingly:
 

• Bring sunglasses for after the exam

• Consider arranging for someone to drive you home

Track Any Vision Changes

Make a note of any symptoms you've experienced since your last visit. These might include:
 

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Dark spots or floaters

• Trouble seeing at night

• Eye pain or pressure

Sharing these concerns with your eye doctor helps ensure nothing is overlooked.

Bring Your Insurance Information

Most vision insurance plans and health insurance providers cover diabetic eye exams, but it’s still a good idea to check your coverage before your visit. Bring your insurance card and any required referrals or documents.

Prioritize Your Eyesight at Clarity Vision

A diabetic eye exam is a critical part of managing your overall health. By coming prepared, you can help your eye doctor spot changes early and protect your vision for the long term.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Clarity Vision to stay ahead of eye conditions before they impact your vision. Visit our office in Williamston, North Carolina, or call (252) 792-2250 to book an appointment today.