Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetic Eye Exam services offered in Holmdel, NJ

Regular diabetic eye exams are essential for protecting your vision and detecting early signs of diabetic eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. These conditions often develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making routine screening critical—even if your vision seems normal. During a diabetic eye exam, Ahmed Abdelhady, MD at Holmdel Eye Center in Holmdel, New Jersey uses advanced examination and imaging techniques to thoroughly examine the retina and blood vessels at the back of the eye. Our goal is to identify changes early and intervene before vision loss occurs. If you have diabetes, annual eye exams are one of the most important steps you can take to preserve your sight and overall eye health. We work closely with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care.

Diabetic Eye Exam Q & A

What is a diabetic eye exam?

A diabetic eye exam is similar to a general eye exam but includes additional tests to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy. For example, your ophthalmologist dilates your pupils so they can see the back of your eye, including your retina, in more detail. Dr. Abdelhady also offers optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography to study the blood vessels in your eyes and identify abnormalities.

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you should have annual eye exams to allow Dr. Abdelhady to monitor your eye health and provide treatments to preserve your vision.

Why is it critical for me to have eye exams if I have diabetes?

Diabetes can lead to a complication called diabetic retinopathy. When you have diabetic retinopathy, you develop abnormal blood vessels in your retina that leak blood or other fluids. The extra fluid can scar your retina, cause macular edema, or damage your vitreous fluid. All of these conditions can impair your vision and eventually lead to blindness if left untreated.

What are some of the signs of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can cause a variety of symptoms that range in severity, including:

Floaters in your field of vision
Dark or blank areas in your field of vision
Blurred vision
Problems focusing
Altered color
Partial or total peripheral or central vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy may not cause any noticeable signs in its early stages, which is why annual exams are so important. Dr. Abdelhady can identify signs of diabetic retinopathy and start treatment before your vision is irreparably damaged.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated?

If you have early signs of diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Abdelhady can recommend lifestyle changes to slow or reverse the progression of the disease. However, if your diabetic retinopathy is advanced, he may suggests special laser thereapy or medications.

If you have diabetes and need a diabetic eye exam, call Holmdel Eye Center or request an appointment online today.