Diabetic Eye Exams in Chattanooga, TN
If you have diabetes, your eye health needs to be a top priority. Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of vision loss, but with regular eye exams, many complications can be detected and treated before they progress. At Specs Eyecare, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams to help protect your vision and ensure you’re receiving the best care possible.
Our team, led by Dr. Brian Post, takes a personalized, patient-first approach to eye care. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing the condition for years, we are here to monitor, educate, and guide you toward long-term eye health.
Do not wait until vision problems appear. Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Specs Eyecare today.
What is a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is a specialized comprehensive eye screening designed to detect diabetes-related vision problems before they lead to permanent damage. Because diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, routine exams help identify early warning signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.
At Specs Eyecare, our diabetic eye screenings include:
- A dilated eye exam to examine the retina and optic nerve
- Retinal imaging to capture detailed pictures of your eye health
- Intraocular pressure testing to assess the risk of glaucoma
- A comprehensive vision check to detect any changes
Why Are Diabetic Eye Exams Important?
Diabetes increases the risk of several serious eye conditions, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the macula, causing blurred or distorted vision.
- Glaucoma – Increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness.
- Cataracts – Clouding of the lens, making vision blurry or hazy.
Early detection is key. Many diabetic eye diseases do not show symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. With routine eye exams at Specs Eyecare, we can catch early warning signs and help prevent vision loss.
How Often Should I Get a Diabetic Eye Exam?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends:
- Type 1 Diabetes – First eye exam within five years of diagnosis, then annually.
- Type 2 Diabetes – Eye exam immediately after diagnosis, then annually.
- Existing Diabetic Retinopathy – More frequent exams may be necessary.
If you experience sudden changes in vision, blurriness, or flashes of light, contact Specs Eyecare right away.
What Conditions Can a Diabetic Eye Exam Detect?
During a diabetic eye exam, we check for several vision-threatening conditions, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Tiny blood vessels in the retina become damaged due to high blood sugar.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the macula, affecting central vision.
- Glaucoma – Increased eye pressure that can cause optic nerve damage.
- Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision.
Regular diabetic eye screenings at Specs Eyecare help detect these conditions early so we can create a treatment plan that protects your vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease?
Many diabetic eye diseases progress silently without symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.
Early warning signs include:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Poor night vision
- Loss of peripheral vision or blind spots
- Increased light sensitivity
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait. Call Specs Eyecare today to schedule your diabetic eye exam in Chattanooga, TN.
What Should I Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam at Specs Eyecare?
At Specs Eyecare, your diabetic eye exam will include:
- Medical history review – Discussion of your diabetes diagnosis and overall eye health.
- Visual acuity test – Assessment of any changes in your vision.
- Dilated eye exam – Widening of your pupils to examine the retina and optic nerve.
- Retinal imaging – High-resolution scans to detect early signs of damage.
- Intraocular pressure test – Measurement of glaucoma risk.
Will My Eyes Be Dilated During the Exam?
Yes, dilation allows for a full assessment of the retina. Expect temporary light sensitivity and slightly blurred vision for a few hours.
Are Diabetic Eye Exams Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Medicare and most major insurance providers cover annual diabetic eye exams. Check with your provider for details. Specs Eyecare accepts most major insurance plans.
What Treatments Are Available for Diabetic Eye Diseases?
If diabetic retinopathy or other conditions are detected, early intervention can prevent or slow vision loss. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes (blood sugar control, healthy diet, quitting smoking)
- Laser therapy (to seal leaking blood vessels)
- Anti-VEGF injections (to reduce swelling in the retina)
- Vitrectomy surgery (for advanced diabetic retinopathy)
Specs Eyecare provides expert monitoring and referrals to top specialists for advanced care when needed.
How Can I Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease?
- Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants
- Exercise regularly
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
- Schedule annual diabetic eye exams at Specs Eyecare
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Appointment in Chattanooga, TN
Your vision matters. With regular eye exams, you can stay ahead of diabetic eye disease and protect your long-term eye health. Contact us to schedule an eye exam for diabetes in Chattanooga, TN.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Appointment in Chattanooga, TN
Your vision matters. With regular eye exams, you can stay ahead of diabetic eye disease and protect your long-term eye health. Contact us to schedule an eye exam for diabetes in Chattanooga, TN.