Diabetes affects more than your blood sugar; it can also threaten your vision. That’s why diabetic eye exams in Raleigh and Morrisville are essential for managing this chronic condition.
At TrueVision Eye Care, our experienced optometrists provide in-depth evaluations that help detect and monitor diabetes-related eye complications early. These exams go beyond a basic vision check to assess your eye health and help protect your vision.
In this blog, we’ll explain why diabetic eye exams are important, how they differ from regular exams, and what you can expect during your visit.
How does diabetes affect the eyes?
Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. The longer you have diabetes, and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the higher your risk of developing these vision-threatening issues.
Many of these conditions develop without early symptoms, making regular comprehensive eye exams essential. They allow your eye doctor to detect subtle changes before they affect your vision permanently.
What to expect during a diabetic eye exam
A diabetic eye exam at TrueVision Eye Care begins with a thorough review of your health history, including:
- How long you’ve had diabetes
- How well it’s managed
- Whether you’ve noticed any vision changes
Our optometrists examine key structures of the eye, such as the retina, optic nerve, lens, and blood vessels at the back of the eye, for early signs of damage. We may recommend pupil dilation to get a clearer view of the retina, especially if you’ve had diabetes for several years. Though dilation can temporarily blur your vision, it helps us assess your eye health more effectively.
If dilation isn’t ideal for you, we also offer digital retinal imaging. Digital retinal imaging is a high-tech, non-invasive way to capture detailed images of your retina without using eye drops. Our eye doctor will determine if dilation is necessary based on your eye health and vision needs.
How often should diabetics get eye exams?
Regular eye exams are an essential part of managing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, adults with type 2 diabetes should schedule their first diabetic eye exam at the time of diagnosis1. Those with type 1 diabetes are advised to have their first exam within five years of being diagnosed.
After the initial exam, most people with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam every year to monitor for any changes or signs of diabetic eye disease.
Whether it’s your first diabetic eye exam or you’re continuing ongoing care, our experienced optometrists in Raleigh and Morrisville will tailor your eye care plan to your specific needs. Our goal is to catch any changes early before they permanently affect your vision.
Protect your sight with regular diabetic eye care
Vision loss from diabetes is often preventable with early detection and consistent care. At TrueVision Eye Care, we use the latest technology and a patient-first approach to provide the highest level of diabetic eye care.
Schedule your diabetic eye exam today at our Raleigh or Morrisville office to stay on top of your eye health.
References:
- (n.d.). What Can You Do to Protect Your Eyes? American Diabetes Association. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/eye-health/what-can-you-do-protect-your-eyes