Diabetic Eye Exam Socialite Vision |Palm Beach Gardens

INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES

More than 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. This makes up 11.3 percent of the population. Of those, 8.5 million are undiagnosed. Meanwhile, 96 million people aged 18 years and older are prediabetic.

Having diabetes raises your risk for ocular conditions and diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. It can also lead to diabetic retinopathy. With a diabetic eye exam, you can get an accurate diagnosis. Diabetic patients need to be seen every 6 months at least and sometimes every 3 months if not properly controlled.

WHAT ARE SOME KEY POINTS OF A DIABETIC EYE EXAM?

- If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you should get a diabetic eye exam every year.

- Plan to have someone drive you home. You should also bring sunglasses or a hat to shade your eyes, as they may feel extra sensitive.

- Pupil dilation allows the eye doctor to check for any problems with the inner parts of your eye. It makes it easier for the doctor to see the retina to check for eye diseases.

- Don’t skip appointments just because you aren’t experiencing any issues. Some of the most mundane symptoms actually may be a small sign of a bigger problem.