Diabetic Eye Exams

If you have diabetes, diabetic eye exams are a crucial part of your routine eye care at Nix Eye Care and Surgery in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Experienced ophthalmologist Thomas Nix, MD, provides thorough examinations to manage issues as they arise and decrease your risk of eye conditions. To schedule your next regular diabetic eye exam, book online anytime or call the office today.

Why are diabetic eye exams important?

Diabetic eye exams are like routine eye and vision assessments with the added benefit of detecting diabetes-related eye conditions. This is essential because high blood sugar from diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy and damage your eyes’ blood vessels, resulting in vision loss.

Diabetes also increases your risk of developing:

• Cataracts
• Macular edema
• Glaucoma
• Neovascular glaucoma

Dr. Nix lets you know how often you should come in for an examination, and regular care helps him catch issues quickly.

When should I schedule diabetic eye exams?

It’s safest to visit Nix Eye Care and Surgery for an eye examination within 3-5 years after you or a loved one receives a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. 

The less time you go without proper eye care, the better it is for your health, so schedule an exam as soon as possible if you’re diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

If in doubt, book an eye exam at least once a year. Dr. Nix may schedule more frequent visits for you to monitor or manage a diabetic eye condition.

What happens during a diabetic eye exam?

After Dr. Nix reviews your medical history, he performs a thorough evaluation of your eyes. Your diabetic eye exam uses the most advanced technology, creating detailed images of your eyes’ structure and blood vessels to evaluate their condition.

Your exam may include:

Pupil dilation

To obtain the clearest view of the inner structures of your eyes, Dr. Nix may dilate your pupils temporarily.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

This test reveals changes in the blood vessels that indicate fluid leakage.

Glaucoma test

Over 7% of diabetic adults have glaucoma, and your risk of developing it is much higher than that of someone without diabetes, so Dr. Nix carefully screens you for this condition.

Vision test

This part of the exam may be most familiar to you, since it’s just like a standard vision exam.

How should I prepare for my diabetic eye exam?

You may find it helpful to bring:

• A list of your medications
• Contact information for your primary care provider
• Your vision insurance details
• Your current prescription eyewear
• A list of questions for Dr. Nix

If Dr. Nix dilates your pupils, be sure to arrange a ride home.

To manage the impact of diabetes on your eye health and long-term sight, schedule a diabetic eye exam today by calling the office or booking online.