About 1 in 10 people have diabetes, but what’s more shocking is that one in five don’t even know they have it. This begs the question: can an eye doctor in Boynton Beach detect diabetes? Here’s what you need to know so that your next eye exam doesn’t come with surprises!
How Does Diabetes Affect My Eye Health?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that can affect your health in a lot of different ways, including your eye health. Many people are unaware that they even have diabetes, which can create complications such as diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in patients with diabetes. It affects and damages the blood vessels in your retina. With careful diabetes management and laser or surgical treatment for advanced cases, it can be controlled.
Can an Eye Doctor in Boynton Beach Detect Diabetes? If So, How?
To keep it short and simple: yes. An eye doctor, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, is able to detect diabetes.
An eye exam performed by a licensed doctor can not only provide early detection of type I or II diabetes, but it can reveal the effects of improper diabetes management as well, prompting lifestyle changes, adherence to treatment, and / or modification of your current medications.
What Type of Eye Exam Is Needed to Detect Diabetic Retinopathy?
While the answer to your question, “Can an eye doctor in Boynton Beach detect diabetes,” is a yes, it also depends on the type of examination performed.
A sight or screening test is the baseline exam you can receive. It only measures how well you can see, and isn’t always performed by a licensed or trained individual. A comprehensive eye examination, however, can spot the warning signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Make sure to schedule annual exams with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, and stay on top of your eye health. It might lead to some surprising yet important discoveries.
Find High-Quality, Comprehensive Care at South Palm Eye Associates!
Our team at South Palm Eye Associates understands that early detection is key, which is why we offer comprehensive eye examinations to ensure that you and your eyes are in the best health possible.
Contact us today at 561-737-4040 to schedule your visit for a comprehensive eye exam!