Diabetic Eye Care in San Antonio: What to Expect During a Dilated Retinal Exam

Diabetes can affect more than your blood sugar - it can also cause changes inside your eyes that may threaten your vision. At Stone Oak Vision Source, we provide diabetic eye care in San Antonio to help detect these changes as early as possible. A dilated retinal exam gives us a detailed view of the back of your eyes, including the retina and its delicate blood vessels.

The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams

High blood sugar can gradually damage the small blood vessels that supply the retina. This can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that may cause bleeding, swelling, or abnormal blood vessel growth. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dilated eye exams are so important.

For many people with diabetes, a comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended at least once a year, although your individual schedule may vary based on your eye health and medical history.

What Happens During a Dilated Retinal Exam?

Your diabetic eye exam begins with an evaluation of your vision and overall eye health. We will review your health history, including your diabetes management, medications, and any recent changes in your eyesight.

Eye drops are then placed in your eyes to temporarily enlarge your pupils. Once your pupils are dilated, we can examine a much broader area of the retina and look for signs of diabetic eye disease.

We may also use digital retina imaging to capture detailed photographs of the retina at the back of the eye. These images allow us to document the appearance of your retina, identify subtle changes, and compare findings over time. For patients with diabetes, this technology can be especially valuable for monitoring retinal health and detecting signs of diabetic eye disease that may develop before noticeable vision changes occur.

During your appointment, we may evaluate:

•          Blood vessels for leaking, bleeding, or abnormal growth

•          The retina for areas of damage or changes related to diabetes

•          The macula for swelling that could affect central vision

•          The optic nerve and other structures inside the eye

•          Digital retinal images for subtle changes that may require closer monitoring

By combining a dilated retinal exam with advanced retinal imaging when appropriate, we can get a more complete picture of your eye health and monitor changes from one visit to the next.

What to Expect After Dilation

Dilating drops can temporarily make your eyes more sensitive to light and may cause blurry near vision for several hours. Bringing sunglasses can make you more comfortable when leaving our San Antonio office. Depending on how your vision responds to dilation, you may also want to arrange for someone else to drive you home.

Do Not Wait for Vision Changes

Diabetic eye disease can progress before you notice blurry vision, floaters, dark areas, or other symptoms. Staying consistent with diabetic eye care allows us to compare changes over time and identify concerns before they become more advanced.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Stone Oak Vision Source to help protect your sight with proactive, personalized eye care. Contact our office in San Antonio, TX, by calling (830) 205-2420 to book an appointment.