At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, we know that diabetes can accelerate cataract formation and other sight-threatening conditions. Our comprehensive diabetic eye care program emphasizes early cataract detection and ongoing monitoring to maintain your vision and quality of life.
Why Diabetes Impacts Your Eyes
Diabetes can change the chemistry of your eye’s lens, causing proteins to clump and cloud your vision sooner than they would in non-diabetic patients. High blood sugar also damages tiny blood vessels throughout the eye, increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Left unchecked, these changes can lead to vision loss.
The Role of Early Cataract Detection
Cataracts in people with diabetes often develop at a younger age and progress more rapidly. Spotting cataract formation early gives us the chance to intervene before your vision deteriorates.
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Sharper Vision: Treating a cataract when it’s mild preserves clearer vision for a longer time
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Simpler Surgery: Early removal allows for smaller incisions and faster recovery
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Better Outcomes: Patients who undergo cataract surgery before severe clouding tend to achieve better visual results
Comprehensive Diabetic Eye Exam
Our diabetic eye exam combines state-of-the-art imaging with a detailed slit-lamp evaluation. Here’s what you can expect:
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Medical History Review
We discuss your diabetes management, any vision changes you’ve noticed, and your overall health to tailor the exam to your needs. -
Visual Acuity Testing
We measure how well you see at a distance and near to establish a baseline and detect early changes. -
Slit-Lamp Evaluation
A high-magnification microscope lets us examine the lens for early cataract formation and the retina for signs of diabetic retinopathy. -
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
This noninvasive scan captures detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and macula to detect subtle fluid buildup or blood vessel changes. -
Intraocular Pressure Measurement
Since diabetes increases glaucoma risk, we check your eye pressure and drainage angles to rule out early glaucoma. -
Dilation & Retinal Exam
Dilating drops give us a full view of the retina, allowing us to spot leaking vessels, microaneurysms, and cataract shadows on the lens.
Managing Diabetic Eye Health
Early detection is only the first step.
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Scheduled Monitoring: Depending on your exam findings, we may recommend follow-up visits every 3 to 12 months
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Timely Intervention: If a cataract advances or diabetic retinopathy worsens, we offer the latest surgical and laser therapies
When to Seek Care
Contact us right away if you experience:
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Blurred or double vision
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New floaters or flashes of light
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Dark areas in your field of vision
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Sudden changes in color perception
Prompt evaluation helps us rule out serious complications and adjust your treatment plan.
Planning for Cataract Surgery
If we determine that your cataract surgery is needed, Barnet Dulaney Perkins offers advanced options:
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Premium Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Multifocal or toric lenses to reduce dependence on glasses
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Femtosecond Laser Assistance: For precise incisions and lens fragmentation
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Combined Procedures: We can address glaucoma or retina issues during the same surgery if indicated
Your surgeon will review the benefits and risks of each approach to match your lifestyle and vision goals.
Ready to Protect Your Vision?
Ready to take control of your vision? Book your comprehensive diabetic eye exam online now to protect your eyes and detect cataracts early.