Diabetic Eye Screening

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
How early does diabetes affect the eye? At what age should we do diabetic eye screening?    

Answer:
The effects of diabetes on the eye are numerous. The major vision threatening effects are early cataract, higher incidence of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. In adults it is recommended that the patient have a thorough eye exam with dilation at onset of diabetes and then at yearly intervals. Those with juvenile diabetes require a dilated eye exam five years after onset and then annually after that.

Answered by: Gary Hirshfield, MD

Categories: General Eye Health, Eye Diseases 

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