Diabetic Eye Examinations

Diabetic Retinopathy is a progressive disease.  Patients with diabetes must be consistent and attentive to their eye care all throughout life.  In order to maintain good vision and have the best chances of preventing the sight threatening complications of Diabetic Retinopathy, it is important for all diabetic patients to have a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.  This is the basic requirement to help detect blood vessel leakage and the presence of Diabetic Retinopathy in its earliest stages.  Based on your eye examination, your Center for Sight eye doctor may recommend more frequent reexamination intervals.  While “screening photographs”, even through a dilated pupil may be of some use, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive diabetic eye examination.  Patients with diabetes may also be more prone to other significant eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts (http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp) and thus a comprehensive eye examination is a necessity.  Depending on the severity and progression of your diabetic retinopathy, it might be necessary to have an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF) on a regular basis in order to observe and record any changes to the retinal circulation. In general, most insurance carriers endorse and pay for regular annual diabetic eye exams with Intravenous Fluorescein Angiography (IVF) as often as needed in order to help patients preserve their vision.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or even if you are just glucose intolerant, you should have a thorough diabetic eye examination at Center for Sight. Please call us in Fall River, Massachusetts at 508.677.0041 or in Woonsocket, Rhode Island at 401.769.6323.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for diabetic patients in need of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton, and Tiverton.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic Eye Examinations

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy