Diabetic Eye Exams

Understanding Diabetic Eye Exams

A diabetic eye exam is a specialized medical evaluation designed to detect and monitor eye conditions related to diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy. Unlike routine vision exams, which are often covered by vision insurance plans, a diabetic eye exam is a medical examination covered by medical insurance. This type of exam focuses on diagnosing and managing eye health issues that arise from diabetes. 

At Radiant Eyes we recommend a comprehensive eye exam with Optos wide-field retinal imaging to evaluate the health inside the eye for all patients. Diabetic patients can benefit from this screening because it can quickly and easily detect signs of diabetic retinopathy inside the eye. 

Why Vision Plans and Medical Exams Differ

• Vision Plans: These plans primarily cover routine vision care, such as annual eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. They can help you obtain a prescription and cover basic screenings to assess your vision. However, they usually do not cover comprehensive medical evaluations or treatments for conditions related to diabetes.
• Medical Insurance: Diabetic eye exams fall under medical insurance because they address health issues associated with diabetes. Medical insurance covers the costs of diagnosing and treating medical conditions, including those affecting the eyes due to diabetes. This allows us to use advanced technology and methods to assess and manage your eye health comprehensively.

Technology and Screening

During a diabetic eye exam, we utilize a combination of advanced diagnostic tools to thoroughly evaluate your eye health:

• Dilated Fundus Exam: We use eye drops to widen your pupils, which enables a detailed examination of the retina and other internal eye structures. This process helps us identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy, such as microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and exudates, which are crucial for diagnosing the presence and severity of diabetic eye disease.
• OPTOS California: This ultra-widefield imaging system captures expansive, high-resolution images of the retina. By providing a broad view of the back of the eye, the OPTOS California allows us to detect and monitor retinal changes related to diabetic retinopathy, such as abnormal blood vessel growth, leakage, and areas of retinal damage that might not be visible with traditional imaging.
• Maestro 2 OCT: This technology offers high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, enabling us to evaluate the detailed structure of retinal layers. The Maestro 2 OCT is particularly effective in detecting diabetic macular edema and other subtle retinal changes, such as thinning or thickening of the retina, that are indicative of diabetic retinopathy or other related conditions.

Why We Recommend Separate Visits

Because fluctuations in vision caused by blood sugar levels can affect the accuracy of your prescription, we often recommend scheduling two separate appointments. One appointment focuses on measuring your glasses prescription, while the other is dedicated to evaluating and managing diabetic eye conditions. This approach ensures that you receive precise and reliable measurements for your prescription and a thorough assessment of any eye conditions related to diabetes.

Comprehensive Care for Optimal Management

By separating these evaluations, we aim to provide you with the most accurate information and effective management of your diabetes-related eye health. This comprehensive approach ensures that both your vision prescription and any potential eye diseases are addressed thoroughly, leading to better overall care and management of your diabetes.

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today

At Radiant Eyes, we are committed to offering you the best in diabetic eye care. If you have diabetes or are at risk, schedule your diabetic eye exam today. Our team will work with you to ensure you receive comprehensive care and support, optimizing your eye health and overall well-being.