Diabetic Eye Exams Specialist

Cirino Eye Center

Anthony J Cirino, D.O.

Ophthalmology & Cataract Surgeon & Board-Certified Comprehensive Ophthalmologist located in Brunswick, OH

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that increases your risk of developing other health complications, including vision changes and eye conditions. At Cirino Eye Center in Brunswick, Ohio, Anthony Cirino, DO, offers diabetic eye exams to monitor your vision and eye health and provide care that prevents permanent vision changes. To learn more about the diabetic eye exams at Cirino Eye Center, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Diabetic Eye Exams Q & A

How does diabetes affect my eyes?

People with diabetes have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. The sugar (glucose) in the blood serves as the primary source of energy for all the cells in your body. Insulin, a hormone made in your pancreas, helps get sugar from your blood into your cell.

People with diabetes either don’t make insulin or their insulin doesn’t work like it should, resulting in too much sugar in the blood. Over time, the excess sugar damages your blood vessels.

Tiny blood vessels, like the ones in your eyes, may be more susceptible to damage. People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing vision changes and eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

You can develop these eye conditions without experiencing vision changes. 

Who needs diabetic eye exams?

If you have diabetes, you need a comprehensive diabetic eye exam every year. 

People with Type 1 diabetes need a dilated eye exam within five years of being diagnosed. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed during childhood. 

People with Type 2 diabetes should schedule a diabetic eye exam soon after their initial diabetes diagnosis. It’s not uncommon for people with Type 2 diabetes to have vision problems. 

Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1 diabetes and more commonly develops in adults 40 and older. 

You should also schedule a diabetic eye exam if you experience any sudden changes in vision, an increase in floaters, or see flashes of light. These unexpected vision changes may be signs of diabetic macular edema, which may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. 

What can I expect during diabetic eye exams?

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation from Dr. Cirino during your diabetic eye exam. He first reviews your general health and medical history. Then, he assesses your vision and prescription eyewear needs.

After checking your vision, he dilates your pupils and performs an eye exam. During this portion of your evaluation, he assesses the health and structures within your eye to look for signs of disease or damage. Dr. Cirino also assesses eye pressure to screen for glaucoma.

After your exam, Dr. Cirino makes recommendations to prevent or treat eye conditions. Treatments may include prescription eyewear, medications, or cataract surgery. 

To schedule your diabetic eye exam at Cirino Eye Center, call the office or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.