Diabetic Eye Exams

Ways to Detect Diabetes of the Eye  

Eye exams with patients that have diabetes include:

-Visual Acuity Test- Measures the eye’s ability to focus and see details at near and far distances; helps detect vision loss

-Ophthalmologist Slit Lamp- This test allows the Optometrist to see the back of the eye and other structures within the eye

-Gonioscopy- (Glaucoma Test) to find out whether the area where fluid drains out of your eye (called the drainage angle) is open or closed.

-Tonometry- Measures the pressure inside the eye, which is called intraocular pressure (IOP). Also tests for Glaucoma.

Effects of Diabetes on the Eye

Diabetes can affect more than just a patient’s blood sugar. Poor circulation, commonly associated with diabetes, can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the back of the eye. When the blood vessels of the retina are damaged, it is known as diabetic retinopathy. Unfortunately, the risk for glaucoma is also increased in diabetics along with other eye conditions.

Paul Trapeni Jr., OD educates his diabetic patients on the importance of early detection. One problem with diabetes-related eye disease, damage is not apparent right away. Diabetic retinopathy is asymptomatic in its early stages, so regular eye exams are the only way to detect problems. Early detection is crucial so treatment can begin right away.

Diabetic Eye Exams

Dr. Paul Trapeni Jr. believes in a proactive approach to eye health, especially with his diabetic patients. Diabetic eye exams actually begin with a regular vision check using the Snellen chart to determine if vision has been impacted. Pupils are often dilated with special eye drops for the next portion of the exam so the retina is more visible.

Dr. Trapeni may start with a traditional examination using a special magnifying glass and light to view the back of the eye. Because of his dedication to the eye health of his patients, The Optical Shoppe also has optomap digital scanning technology which can capture a digital image of more than 80% of the retina at once. This provides a closer examination of blood vessels in the front, middle, and back of the eye and also provides an image of the area surrounding the optic nerve.