Diabetic Eye Exams

Proper eye care is especially vital if you have diabetes, so Daniel Rafaelov, OD, at Eyecrafters Optical in Downtown Brooklyn, New York City, provides diabetic eye exams to decrease your risk of eye conditions and manage issues as they arise. You deserve thorough, personalized care to check your vision and protect your eye health. To schedule regular diabetic eye exams, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Why are diabetic eye exams important?

Diabetic eye exams assess your vision like regular eye exams but also prioritize detecting eye conditions diabetes causes.

High blood sugar can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which damages the blood vessels in your eyes. This causes vision loss, so having your eyes checked regularly helps catch changes early on.

Diabetes also puts you at a greater risk for developing many other eye conditions, including:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular edema
• Neovascular glaucoma

Managing your blood sugar and striving for good overall health can go a long way toward keeping your eyes safe, and Dr. Rafaelov can offer lifestyle and medical guidance to ensure the best possible outcomes.

When should I schedule a diabetic eye exam?

People with Type 1 diabetes should have their first eye exam within less than 3-5 years of their diagnosis.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, schedule a diabetic eye exam as soon as possible. The less time that elapses without proper eye care, the better.

After your initial exam, Dr. Rafaelov recommends coming to Eyecrafters Optical for a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. You may schedule more frequent visits if you’re monitoring or managing an eye condition impacted by diabetes.

What can I expect during my diabetic eye exam?

After Dr. Rafaelov reviews your medical history, your diabetic eye exam includes various tests to assess your vision and the overall health of your eyes, which may include:

• A Snellen chart test to check your visual sharpness
• Pupil dilation to get a better look inside your eyes
• A puff test to measure the fluid pressure in your eyes
• A refraction test to determine your prescription strength
• An individual eye check using an occlude
• A color vision test
• A magnified view of your eyes with a slit lamp

Dr. Rafaelov may also use imaging tests and take detailed pictures of your eye’s structures to look for damage.

As a diabetic, how can I protect my eyes?

You’re on the right track with regular diabetic eye exams. In addition to careful monitoring, Dr. Rafaelov may recommend specific lifestyle habits, such as:

• Getting regular exercise
• Enjoying anti-inflammatory foods
• Finding ways to decrease stress
• Hydrating
• Protecting your eyes from the sun
• Quitting smoking

Call Eyecrafters Optical or schedule your diabetic eye exam online today. Your eyes—and your health—deserve it.