Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetic Eye Exams and Diabetic Eye Care in Everett, WA

If you have diabetes, your eyes need a different kind of exam than a standard vision check. At Silver Lake Eye Care Center in Everett, WA, our experienced and friendly team of Doctors provide diabetic eye exams designed to catch diabetes-related eye disease early — often before you notice any change in your vision.
 

Why are Diabetic Eye Exams Important?

Diabetes can affect the blood vessels and tissues throughout the body, including the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. 

Diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, it can lead to blurred vision, floaters, bleeding, retinal swelling, and vision loss.

Regular eye exams can help your eye doctor detect changes before you notice significant changes in your vision. Early detection allows for closer monitoring, coordination with your healthcare providers, and timely treatment or referral when appropriate.

People with diabetes should follow their eye doctor's recommendations for the frequency of their eye exams. Many patients require at least annual diabetic eye evaluations, while patients with diabetic eye disease may need more frequent monitoring.
 

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related condition that affects the blood vessels of the retina. Over time, elevated blood sugar can damage these small blood vessels, causing them to leak, swell, or become blocked.

Diabetic retinopathy can range from mild changes that require monitoring to more advanced disease that may threaten vision.

Diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, including:

• Diabetic macular edema (DME) — Swelling caused by fluid leaking into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision.

• Cataracts — Clouding of the eye's natural lens.

• Glaucoma — A group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss.

• Other retinal conditions — Diabetes can increase the risk of additional changes affecting the retina and blood vessels.

What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam?

Dr. Kim and Dr. Tan built Silver Lake Eye Care Center around early detection, using advanced diagnostic technology alongside a thorough clinical examination. A diabetic eye exam includes a detailed evaluation of your vision, eye health, retina, and retinal blood vessels.

• Dilated retinal examination — A detailed evaluation of the retina and other structures at the back of the eye.

• Ultra-widefield retinal imaging — Provides a broad view of the retina to help detect and document retinal changes.

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) — Provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina to help detect and monitor structural changes, including diabetic macular edema.

• Electroretinography (ERG) — Measures the electrical responses of the retina and evaluates retinal function

• Evaluation for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema — Screens for and monitors diabetes-related changes affecting the retina.

• Assessment for glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye conditions — Diabetes can increase the risk of certain eye conditions, so a comprehensive evaluation is important.

• Communication with your healthcare team — With your permission, we can provide a summary of relevant eye examination findings to your primary care physician and endocrinologist to help support coordinated care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a diabetic eye exam the same as a regular eye exam?
No. A regular eye exam mainly checks your vision and prescription. A diabetic eye exam is a dilated, medical evaluation that includes diagnostic testing and imaging to detect damage caused by diabetes.

2. Does diabetic retinopathy have symptoms?
Often not in its early stages. Vision can remain sharp even as damage progresses, which is why annual dilated exams are recommended regardless of symptoms.

3. Will my insurance cover a diabetic eye exam?
Diabetic eye exams are usually covered under medical insurance rather than routine vision plans. We are in-network with most major medical plans. Our team can help verify your specific coverage.

4. How often do I need a diabetic eye exam?
Most people with diabetes need one annually, though your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits depending on your eye health and blood sugar control.


Have diabetes or need a diabetic eye exam? Contact Silver Lake Eye Care Center in Everett, WA, to schedule a comprehensive diabetic eye evaluation.