Diabetic Eye Exams in Santa Monica
Why Are Diabetic Eye Exams Important?
Diabetes can affect the eyes even before vision changes are noticeable. A diabetic eye exam is a medical eye evaluation designed to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease and monitor changes over time.
Regular eye exams play a critical role in protecting vision and supporting long-term eye health for patients with diabetes.
What Eye Conditions Are Associated With Diabetes?
Diabetes may increase the risk of several eye conditions, including:
Diabetic retinopathy
Macular edema
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Early detection allows for timely management and helps reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Diabetic Eye Care in Santa Monica
At OptiHealth Optometry, Dr. Irina Yakubin, OD provides medical-focused eye care for patients with diabetes and other systemic health conditions.
Diabetic eye exams are tailored to each patient’s medical history, duration of diabetes, and individual risk factors.
What Does a Diabetic Eye Exam Include?
A diabetic eye exam may include assessment of:
Visual acuity and prescription needs
Optic nerve appearance
Signs of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema
Eye pressure
Overall ocular health
Additional testing may be recommended based on clinical findings and monitoring needs.
How Often Should Diabetic Eye Exams Be Performed?
Most patients with diabetes are advised to have regular medical eye exams, even if vision seems stable. The recommended frequency depends on:
Type of diabetes
Duration of the condition
Presence or absence of eye findings
Overall medical management
Your eye exam schedule is determined based on individual risk and clinical findings.
Coordinated Medical Eye Care
Diabetic eye exams support coordination between eye care and primary medical care. When appropriate, exam findings may be shared with other healthcare providers to support comprehensive management.
Ongoing monitoring helps track changes over time and guides treatment decisions if intervention becomes necessary.
When Should You Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam?
You should consider a diabetic eye exam if you:
Have been diagnosed with diabetes
Have had diabetes for several years
Are experiencing changes in vision
Have not had a recent medical eye exam
Have been advised to monitor eye health due to systemic conditions
Even without symptoms, regular exams are essential.
Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam
If you have diabetes and are due for an eye exam, we welcome you to schedule an appointment or contact our office with questions.
All diabetic eye exams are provided at our Santa Monica optometry office, located inside Montana Eyes on Montana Avenue.