Diabetic Eye Exams in Honolulu

Diabetic Eye Exams at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii

This page is for individuals with diabetes and their families seeking information about diabetic eye exams and eye health. Understanding and scheduling regular diabetic eye exams is crucial for preventing vision loss and managing diabetes-related eye complications. A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive eye exam that focuses on detecting eye diseases caused by diabetes. Diabetic eye exams are similar to regular eye exams but specifically focus on the health of the retina and the integrity of the blood vessels in the eye. They are designed to identify and manage conditions specifically associated with diabetes.

Diabetes can have a significant impact on eye health, increasing the risk of serious complications such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Diabetic retinopathy affects 30 percent of people with diabetes. Diabetic eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment of these diabetes-related conditions, preserving your vision and overall ocular health. The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults with type 2 diabetes have their first eye exam when diagnosed, and those with type 1 diabetes should have their first exam within five years of diagnosis. The first eye exam is a key milestone for adults with diabetes. If there is no evidence of retinopathy on the initial exam, people with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least every 1-2 years. The American Diabetes Association also recommends that people with diabetes have an eye exam before becoming pregnant or during the first trimester of pregnancy, and people who are pregnant need to be monitored closely and checked for 12 months after pregnancy. An eye doctor plays a crucial role in conducting diabetic eye exams and managing diabetes-related eye care. Ongoing eye care and maintaining ocular health are essential for people with diabetes to prevent vision loss. Regular eye exams are important for all adults, but diabetic eye exams are especially critical for people with diabetes.

How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?

High and unstable blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to complications like:

Diabetic retinopathy: This occurs when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, leading to blood in the back of the eye and vision impairment or loss if untreated. Diabetic retinopathy can also lead to the growth of new blood vessels, which can cause further complications such as bleeding and retinal detachment.
Diabetic macular edema: Swelling in the macula (the central part of the retina) due to leaking blood vessels, specifically related to diabetes, causing central vision loss. Diabetes-related macular edema is a major cause of vision impairment in people with diabetes.

The diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent vision loss when not detected early. Early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial to protect sight and prevent lost vision from diabetic eye disease. Standard treatments for diabetic eye complications include medicine, eye injections, and surgery. Eye injections are used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam

Pupil dilation is necessary to perform a complete diabetic eye exam. At Kahala Eye Clinic, we perform comprehensive eye exams specifically tailored to diabetic patients. Our exams include the following components:

Dilated Retinal Exam

Eye drops are used to dilate the pupils, allowing for a detailed examination of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
This detailed examination may include the use of a special camera to capture images of the retina and blood vessels.
A slit lamp is also used for a detailed examination of the front of the eye.
The vitreous cavity may be examined, especially if there are signs of advanced diabetic retinopathy.

Vision Test

A vision test is conducted to measure clarity for distant images and to identify any visual discrepancies between the two eyes.
You will be asked to identify letters or images on a chart, and both eyes (two eyes) are tested separately to detect any differences.

Eye Pressure Measurement

Intraocular pressure is measured to assess the risk of glaucoma, which is higher in individuals with diabetes.

Lifestyle and Systemic Health Review

We ensure you are doing everything you can to stay in great shape.
A detailed history of diabetes and any visual changes or symptoms, such as blurred vision or changes in near vision, is crucial for guiding the exam and determining the need for additional tests.

Additional Tests

Based on the findings of the initial exam, additional tests may be recommended for further diagnostic information.

Contact Lenses

Please bring your contact lenses to the exam for assessment and proper fitting.

After pupil dilation, you may experience blurred vision and sensitivity to light for several hours, and your near vision may be temporarily affected. Plan accordingly, as these effects can impact activities like driving or reading.

We share our findings: It is important that your medical care team knows what is going on with your eyes. We will send the results to your primary care provider and care team promptly, so you can receive the best care from your providers.

By detecting diabetic eye conditions early, we can provide early treatments to prevent vision loss.

Book your diabetic eye exam today at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu and preserve your vision.