Why an Annual Diabetic Eye Exam at TSO of Laredo is Different Than a Standard Vision Test

If you have diabetes, checking whether you can read an eye chart clearly is only one part of protecting your vision. Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels and other structures inside the eyes, sometimes before you notice changes in your sight. That is why an annual diabetic eye exam in Laredo serves a different purpose than a standard vision test.
 

At Texas State Optical, we provide diabetic eye exams as part of our eye care services for the Laredo community. These exams allow us to look beyond your glasses or contact lens prescription and evaluate your eyes for changes associated with diabetes.
 

What Does a Standard Vision Test Measure?

A standard vision test is primarily designed to determine how clearly you see. During testing, we may measure visual acuity and determine whether refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are affecting your vision.
 

This information is important when updating a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. However, seeing 20/20 does not necessarily mean your eyes are free of disease. Some diabetes-related eye problems can develop without noticeable symptoms during their early stages.
 

For patients with diabetes in Laredo, a more thorough examination of eye health is an important part of ongoing care.
 

What Makes a Diabetic Eye Exam Different?

A diabetic eye exam focuses on detecting changes that diabetes can cause inside the eye, particularly in the retina. High blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels in the eyes and increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy and vision loss.
 

Depending on your individual needs, an eye health evaluation may involve checking:
 

• The retina for leaking, swelling, bleeding, or abnormal blood vessels
• The optic nerve for signs of damage
• Eye pressure and other indicators of eye disease
• Changes in vision that may be related to fluctuating blood sugar
• Other eye health concerns that may require monitoring or treatment

Dilation is commonly used during diabetic eye examinations because widening the pupils gives the eye doctor a clearer view of the retina and other structures at the back of the eye.
 

Why Have a Diabetic Eye Exam Every Year?

One of the challenges with diabetic eye disease is that symptoms may not appear right away. You may feel that your vision is normal even while changes are developing in the retina. The CDC recommends yearly comprehensive vision exams, including dilated eye exams, for people with diabetes.
 

Regular diabetic eye exams give us an opportunity to identify concerning changes earlier and determine whether additional monitoring or treatment is needed. Maintaining healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is also important for reducing the risk of diabetes-related vision complications.
 

Diabetic Eye Care Is About More Than Your Prescription

A new pair of glasses may improve blurry vision caused by a refractive error, but it cannot address damage caused by diabetic eye disease. This is why patients with diabetes should not rely solely on basic vision screenings or prescription checks.
 

At Texas State Optical, our goal is to help patients in Laredo see clearly while also monitoring the health of their eyes. If you have diabetes, keeping eye exams on your annual healthcare schedule can help us watch for changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

At Texas State Optical, our goal is to help patients in Laredo see clearly while also monitoring the health of their eyes. If you have diabetes and are due for your annual diabetic eye exam, schedule an appointment with Texas State Optical at 2019 NE Bob Bullock Loop, Suite C-400, Laredo, TX 78045, or call (956) 724-3242 to help protect your vision and monitor your eye health.