Diabetic Eye Exams in Arizona
See the Diabetic Eye Specialists at Nationwide Vision
The Doctors of Nationwide Optometry use cutting-edge technology to conduct comprehensive eye exams for those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Over half a million individuals live with either Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in the state of Arizona. It has been historically proven that these individuals are at a higher risk of developing an eye disease such as diabetic macular edema, cataracts, or glaucoma. If left untreated, it can lead to vision issues including blindness. It is very important for those with diabetes to schedule regular eye exams to help prevent and treat these oncoming diseases.
Comprehensive eye exams for diabetic patients are a vital part of your overall health. While many eye conditions and diseases can have little to no symptoms before they become serious.
Find Nationwide Vision Eye Exams Near You
At Nationwide Vision, we strive to provide every patient with the best care we can give. Our highly trained doctors are fully equipped to help prevent and treat any eye condition that you may end up with. If you or a loved one has diabetes, schedule an eye exam with Nationwide Vision today.
Nationwide Vision is conveniently located throughout the state of Arizona. Find us in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tuscan, San Tan Valley, and other cities throughout the Grand Canyon state. Click to find which of our offices is closest to you!
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Diabetic Eye Disease?
It can be difficult to detect the disease because there are no noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages. Only once the disease has progressed to the point of doing damage to vision do patients begin to notice pain or vision loss.
As the diabetic eye disease progresses, a patient may experience:
Blurry vision
Dark spots or floaters
Flashes of light
Frequent headaches
Light sensitivity
Poor color or night vision
Vision loss
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, t’s important to schedule a diabetic eye exam as soon as possible. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can be started, and the higher chance your vision can be saved.
Which Diabetes-Related Conditions Be Detected During an Eye Exam?
Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that affects people with diabetes. If undetected and untreated, diabetic eye conditions can cause irreversible damage to the eyes leading to vision impairment and even blindness.
Frequent diabetic eye exams from the Doctors of Nationwide Optometry are crucial for early detection and prevent these conditions from getting worse.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in many American adults. This condition causes progressive damage to the retina as blood vessels bulge and leak, cause the surrounding tissue to swell.
In late stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, the retinal blood vessels begin to close causing new, abnormal vessels to grow. These new vessels are fragile and prone to leaking and bleeding. As the disease gets worse, a patient is at serious risk for permanent vision loss.
Early detection of diabetic retinopathy by an eye care specialists is important for the management and treatment of these complications. To prevent this condition from affecting you, see a diabetic eye Doctor of Nationwide Optometry as soon as possible.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema is a serious complication that develops in patients with diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated diabetic retinopathy can cause blood vessels in the retina to build pressure in the eye and leak blood and other fluids. Swelling and thickening of the macula, the area in the center of the retina that processes precise, central vision, can occur as the fluid accumulates.
Without specialized eye care intervention, diabetic macular edema will eventually result in permanent blindness.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam at Nationwide Vision
Our team of experienced eye care professionals offers comprehensive eye care services, including routine eye exams, preventative care and treatment, and diabetic eye exams. Your eye health is important so request an eye exam today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetic Eye Exam
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers eye exams for diabetic retinopathy once each year and a patient pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the eye care service and the applicable copayment. Depending on eligibility, Medicaid vision care covers eye exams and glaucoma testing. These preventative eye care services are fully covered or offered at low costs for recipients. TRICARE covers routine eye exams and only members of TRICARE Prime are covered for diabetic eye exams once a year.
Diabetic patients may be charged anywhere from $50.00 to $200.00 for an eye exam, depending on several factors. The cost of the exam can vary between a first-time and an established patient. An eye exam that results in the diagnosis of diabetic eye disease may include additional charges. Contact your insurance provider to see if vision insurance covers all or part of the cost of a diabetic eye exam.
The pupils typically remain dilated for about two to three hours, extending beyond the time of a diabetic eye exam. Dilation impairs eyesight by preventing the eyes from adjusting to bright light and a patient should decide whether to drive based on the effects experienced from pupil dilation and the driving conditions present after an exam. Nationwide Vision optometrists recommend that patients arrange for someone to drive them home or bring a pair of sunglasses to their appointment.