General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
If you are being treated for diabetes, vision that seems fine does not remove the need for your planned eye check. Diabetic retinopathy can be silent at first: waiting for noticeable vision problems can delay detection.
Screening involves examining the back of the eye. An ophthalmologist can examine it directly, or photographs of the retina can be taken. The aim is to look for retinal damage related to diabetes, beyond any possible need for glasses.
With a prescription, an orthoptist can take the photographs. An ophthalmologist then interprets them, explains the result and may request a further examination. Having the images therefore does not replace their assessment by this specialist.
For the consultation, gather recent results relevant to your diabetes care. They help the ophthalmologist place the eye check in your medical context. Ask how you will receive the result if the photographs are taken separately from the consultation.
When eye drops dilate your pupils for the examination, vision can remain blurred for several hours and light can feel uncomfortable. Arrange someone to accompany you or another way home. Do not drive while the effects of the drops persist; sunglasses may help with comfort.
The specialist sets the interval between checks according to the course of your diabetes and the results. Follow-up remains necessary after age 65 even without noticeable vision problems. After the check, confirm when the next one is due rather than waiting for your vision to change.
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