Mcdonald Optical
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Iowa City Optometrists Are Here To Help
Doctor’s Note: If you feel as though you’re suffering from a diabetic eye condition, reach out to McDonald Optical in Iowa City and schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam with one of our expert optometrists.
What Is A Diabetic Eye Exam?
Diabetes manifests in many different ways and forms across the body, with one of the more severe symptoms being diabetic retinopathy. This condition affects people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and can slowly worsen vision. Left untreated, it could result in significant loss and permanent damage.
Early detection and treatment of retinopathy can help prevent serious vision problems. Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms, so it is essential to see an eye care provider for a comprehensive eye exam at least every year.
Optometrists are sometimes the first health care providers to find signs of diabetes through eye exams, so it’s a great idea to have regular eye exams if you have a family history of diabetes as well. Our optometrist will send a report with your diabetic eye exam results to your health care provider who manages your diabetes, which will help them determine if your current diabetic treatment needs modifying.
What To Expect From A Diabetic Eye Exam
In order to properly assess whether or not you suffer from diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor may perform some of the following procedures. This is not a comprehensive list, but it should give you a general idea as to what you can expect during your eye exam:
Visual Acuity Testing
This is meant to determine the clarity of your vision and is usually done with an eye chart.
Pupil Dilation
This procedure expands your pupils, generally through the use of eye drops, and helps the doctor get a better view into the back of your eye—the fundus—to check for retinal damage caused by diabetes.
Fundoscopy
This is an examination at the back of the eyeball, where the doctor will check on the retina, the blood vessels that feed the retina, and the optic nerve.
Fundus Photography
A subset of a fundoscopy, the eye doctor may choose to take photos of the back of your eye to further study and decide what further measures to take.
Glaucoma Testing
Diabetes and diabetic retinopathy increase your chances of developing glaucoma. Your physician may check the pressure inside your eyes and examine your optic nerves to determine if such a condition is beginning to develop.
Keeping Iowa City Eyes Healthy and Happy
Diabetic retinopathy is a severe condition that can develop for those with diabetes. Suppose you have diabetes, and you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. In that case, it’s advised that you schedule an eye exam at once with one of our dedicated Iowa City eye doctors.
Contact McDonald Optical at (319)-359-3307 or Book Online Here.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrists to Get Computer Vision Relief Today!