Diabetes eye exam

A diabetic retinal exam lets your eye doctor see the back of your eye (retina). It helps find eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy. This problem occurs when high blood sugar from diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina.

Diabetes can lead to eye problems like diabetic retinopathy. These problems can cause vision loss or blindness. A diabetic retinal exam along with early treatment may help protect your vision.

The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you will have eye problems. Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma. This is increased pressure inside the eye. It can cause blindness. This eye exam can check for glaucoma, too.

Before the test, your eye doctor will use eyedrops to widen (dilate) your pupils. This makes it easier to see into your eye. You may also get eyedrops to numb your eyes. Your doctor will then use a special tool to light and view the back of your eye.

There's nothing you need to do to prepare for this exam.