Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetic Eye Exam Services Offered in Henderson, NV

If you have diabetes, thorough eye care is essential to preserve your health and vision. Experienced optometrists Alaina Lavine, OD, Tiffany Nguyen, OD, and the team perform comprehensive diabetic eye exams at Optic Gallery The District in the District neighborhood of Henderson, Nevada, to ensure you maintain good eye health. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about diabetic eye exams!

What is a diabetic eye exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive screening that checks for signs of diabetes complications. Diabetes is a chronic disease that damages blood vessels throughout your body. Glucose (sugar) builds in the blood when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin or doesn’t use it efficiently. Insulin is responsible for converting sugar into energy for your cells.

When you can’t manage your blood sugar, it builds in the blood and weakens the blood vessel walls. The small blood vessels in your eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage. If these small blood vessels break down, they can leak fluid into your eyes and cloud your central vision.

A diabetic eye exam can help identify early signs of damage to minimize complications and maintain your eye health.

How do I know if I need a diabetic eye exam?

The Optic Gallery The District team encourages all patients with diabetes to undergo consistent diabetic eye exams to reduce complications. You should schedule an exam immediately if you experience changes to your vision, such as:

• Blurred vision

• Dark spots in your vision

• Floaters (black specks or strings in your vision)

• Vision loss

• Faded colors

​​​​​​​As diabetic eye disease progresses, your vision may seem less sharp. The team may test your visual acuity as part of your diabetic eye exam.

What does a diabetic eye exam include?

A diabetic eye exam includes multiple parts, such as:

• A medical history review

• A complete vision screening

• A retina exam using an ophthalmoscope

• Glaucoma testing

• Visual acuity testing

​​​​​​​The team may perform additional testing depending on your medical history and any symptoms you’re experiencing.

How long does a diabetic eye exam take?

Most diabetic eye exams take 30 minutes or less, though your screening may take longer if the team needs to investigate additional eye concerns. Some diabetic eye exams can take longer than one hour.

How often do I need to schedule a diabetic eye exam?

If you have diabetes, the Optic Gallery The District team recommends visiting for a diabetic eye exam at least every one to two years.

​​​​​​​Call Optic Gallery The District or schedule an appointment online to learn more about diabetic eye exams.