Why Retinal Screening Matters for People with Diabetes
Quick test can help detect diabetic eye disease and other eye concerns
Quick test can help detect diabetic eye disease and other eye concerns
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes can damage the eyes before symptoms appear.
- Retinal screening can help detect diabetic retinopathy early.
- Regular eye screening and diabetes management can help protect vision.
Living with diabetes means paying attention to more than blood sugar levels. Over time, diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One challenge is that diabetes-related eye disease often develops without noticeable symptoms. Many people do not realize they have a problem until their vision is affected. That's why retinal screening is an important part of diabetes care. This quick, painless test can detect signs of eye disease early, when treatment is often most effective.
Retinal screening may be offered in primary care offices as part of routine diabetes care, making it easier for patients to monitor their eye health. An abnormal result usually leads to a referral to an eye care specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
“Retinal screening is one of the easiest ways for people with diabetes to protect their vision,” says Nancy Chang, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Jefferson in Oceanside. “The test is quick, convenient and can help identify eye problems before they become serious.”
How diabetes can affect your eyes
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina — the part of the eye that senses light and helps you see. This damage can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye disease that can cause blurred vision, vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness if left untreated.
Diabetes also increases the risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Many people do not notice vision changes right away, which is why retinal screenings and eye exams are important for detecting problems early and protecting your sight.
How does retinal screening work?
A retinal screening uses a specialized camera to take digital images of the retina. The process takes only a few minutes.
The images are reviewed for signs of diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions.
Retinal screening can help detect:
- Early signs of diabetic retinopathy
- Changes in the retina's blood vessels
- Swelling in the retina
- Signs that may indicate glaucoma
- Other eye health concerns
While retinal screening can help detect diabetes-related eye disease early, it does not replace a comprehensive dilated eye exam by an eye care specialist. Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend a comprehensive dilated eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Who should get a retinal screening?
Most people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes should have regular retinal screenings as part of their diabetes care.
Screening may also be recommended during pregnancy for people with diabetes because diabetes-related changes in the eyes can occur or worsen during pregnancy.
How often should you have a retinal screening?
Most people with diabetes should have regular retinal screenings or comprehensive dilated eye exams.
Depending on your eye health, diabetes management and previous screening results, your doctor may recommend screening every year or every one to two years. Some people with diabetic retinopathy or other risk factors may need more frequent monitoring, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Protecting your vision beyond screening
Managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, along with healthy lifestyle habits, can help protect your vision and lower your risk of diabetes-related eye problems.
"Retinal screening helps us detect problems early, but prevention is just as important," Dr. Chang says. "Managing diabetes can help protect your eyes and reduce the risk of future vision problems."
Be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in your vision. Symptoms such as blurred vision, dark spots, flashes of light or sudden vision loss should not be ignored.
Early detection and treatment can make a meaningful difference in preserving vision.