Diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye exams

A dilated exam looks at the back of the eye, where diabetes can change small blood vessels before your sight does.

It is for anyone with diabetes, whether or not their vision has changed. Afterward we send a written summary to the doctor who manages your diabetes.

Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.

What happens at the visit

Plan on about an hour.

01
History
Your medicines, your latest numbers if you have them, and how long you have had diabetes.
02
Photographs
Pictures of the back of each eye, which we compare with the last visit.
03
The dilated exam
Drops widen the pupil so the doctor can see the retina. They take a little while to work.
04
Findings
The doctor explains what was found and writes to your other doctors. If you need treatment elsewhere, we say so and arrange it.

How it is billed
Medical insurance often pays for a diabetic eye exam, and a vision plan may pay for the glasses part. We check your benefits before the visit.
Which plan pays
What to bring
- Your medicines, with the doses
- Your latest blood sugar results, if you have them
- Your insurance cards
- Sunglasses for the ride home
The doctor who does it
Dr. Sanford sees most diabetic eye visits. Dr. Chakrabarty sees them too.
Our doctors

Many people with diabetes have a dilated exam every year. The doctor tells you if you need to come more often.

Dilating drops make light and close work uncomfortable for a few hours. Bring sunglasses, and think about having someone drive you.

Yes, if you agree. We send a written summary of what we found to the doctor you name.

Pick a time in our booking system, or call and ask for a diabetic eye exam.