C. EYE HEALTH
6. Dilated Eye Examination (Diabetic Retinopathy Screening)
What it measures: An eye specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) examines the retina — the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye — after dilating the pupil with eye drops, looking for early signs of diabetic retinopathy: abnormal blood vessel changes, small hemorrhages, swelling, or abnormal new vessel growth. Retinal photography is often used as well.
Why it's needed: Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, and in its early stages it typically causes no noticeable vision changes — by the time a person notices blurred or lost vision, damage may already be advanced. Early detection allows timely treatment (laser therapy, injections, or other interventions) that can prevent progression to severe vision loss.
How often: At diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (since type 2 diabetes may have been present silently for years before diagnosis) and within 5 years of diagnosis for type 1 diabetes, then at least once a year afterward. Your eye specialist may recommend more frequent exams if any retinopathy is already found, or less frequent exams (every 1–2 years) if several consecutive exams have been completely normal and blood sugar is well controlled.