Dr. Berry conducting an eye exam on a patient

Diabetic Eye Exams in
Picayune & Pearl River
 

Having diabetes greatly increases your risk of developing certain eye diseases, which are collectively known as diabetic eye disease. These conditions are often preventable or treatable when detected early through regular eye exams. 

At Advanced Eyecare, we provide diabetic eye exams in Picayune and Pearl River, offering experienced, detail-oriented care supported by advanced diagnostic technology. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you should visit a diabetic eye specialist on a regular basis to assess your eye health and significantly reduce the chance of diabetes-related vision loss. 

How diabetes affects the eyes 

Diabetes can affect the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to vision-threatening conditions, including diabetic retinopathy. 

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.¹ As it progresses, it can cause diabetic macular edema, which impacts central vision and can result in significant vision loss in advanced stages. 

Diabetes can also increase your risk of developing other eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma. 

The importance of annual diabetic eye exams 

What many people don’t realize is that some of the most serious eye conditions can develop silently, without obvious changes in vision at first. Diabetic eye disease is one example, often progressing in its early stages before any symptoms appear. 

Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect these early changes before they begin to affect your eyesight. Using advanced diagnostic technology, including digital retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT), we can thoroughly examine the retina and spot early signs of damage or disease. 

What a diabetic eye exam includes 

A diabetic eye exam includes a full comprehensive eye exam, along with additional testing to check for early signs of diabetic complications. 

Your visit may include: 

  • Vision and eye pressure testing  
  • A review of your diabetes and overall health history  
  • A dilated exam to carefully evaluate the retina and optic nerve  
  • OCT and retinal imaging to provide a more detailed view of the retina 
  • Time to go over any vision changes or concerns you’ve noticed 

Treatment options for diabetic eye disease 

If our eye doctors detect signs of diabetic eye disease, we will recommend personalized care based on how advanced the changes are and what will best help protect your vision over time. Every recommendation is focused on preserving sight, maintaining stability, and addressing changes as they evolve. 

Care options may include: 

  • Regular monitoring to closely track any changes in the retina  
  • Coordination with your primary care doctor or diabetes care team for well-rounded management  
  • Medications or eye drops to help support eye health  
  • A referral to a retinal specialist for treatments such as laser therapy or injections 
  • Guidance on lifestyle and health factors that can support long-term vision stability 

Visit us for personalized diabetic eye care  

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have managed diabetes for years, consistent diabetic eye care is key to protecting your vision. If signs of retinopathy or other complications are detected, our eye doctors in Picayune and Pearl River will review treatment options and arrange additional care as needed. 

Schedule an appointment today and stay ahead of potential changes in your vision with regular monitoring.