Diabetes & Your Eyes
Diabetic eye exams
In short
Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can progress without symptoms. A dilated diabetic eye exam finds these changes early, when treatment works best. Most people with diabetes should have one at least once a year.
- How often
- Usually every year; more often if changes are found or during pregnancy
- Includes
- Dilated retina exam and imaging when needed
- Report
- Findings can be shared with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist
- Offered at
- Falls Church · Fairfax · Alexandria
Why do people with diabetes need eye exams?
High blood sugar over time can cause retinal blood vessels to leak or close off, and can trigger fragile new vessels to grow. Diabetes also raises the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Early diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms, so exams are the only way to catch it.
When should I get my first diabetic eye exam?
- Type 2 diabetes — at the time of diagnosis
- Type 1 diabetes — within five years of diagnosis
- Pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes — before pregnancy or early in the first trimester
- Then at least yearly, or as your eye doctor advises
What happens during the exam?
- Review of your health, blood sugar control, and vision history
- Vision testing
- Dilated exam of the retina and optic nerve
- Retinal imaging such as OCT or photographs when needed
- Evaluation for diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma
How can I protect my vision?
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in your target ranges
- Don't smoke
- Keep every scheduled eye exam
- Call promptly for new floaters, blurry or fluctuating vision, or dark areas in your vision
Frequently asked questions
Is a diabetic eye exam covered by insurance?
Because it evaluates a medical condition, a diabetic eye exam is usually billed to medical insurance rather than vision insurance. Coverage depends on your plan.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Early damage can sometimes stabilize with good blood sugar control, and treatments can reduce swelling and prevent further vision loss. Damage that has already caused vision loss may be permanent, which is why early detection matters.
Why did my vision blur when my blood sugar changed?
Large swings in blood sugar can temporarily change the shape of the eye's lens and blur vision. It is best to wait until blood sugar is stable before getting a new glasses prescription.
Doctors who provide this care
Noureen J. Khan, M.D.
Glaucoma (including MIGS and laser) and cataract surgery
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Comprehensive
Related care
Comprehensive Eye Exams
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Glaucoma Screening & Treatment
Detect glaucoma early and protect your sight for life.
Cataract Surgery & Lens Replacement
Replace a cloudy lens and choose the vision you want afterward.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment online or call the office closest to you.
- Falls Church(703) 534-3900
- Fairfax(703) 620-2701
- Alexandria(703) 922-0906