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The group recommends more frequent eye exams for people who have diabetic retinopathy that is progressing.
Early detection is crucial because laser treatment that begins when the patient still has severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy—before the disease reaches the more advanced state of proliferative diabetic retinopathy—is associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of severe vision loss and need for surgery.
Diabetic retinopathy can be detected during an exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. An exam by your primary doctor, during which your eyes are not dilated, is not an adequate substitute for a full exam done by an ophthalmologist.
Eye exams for people with diabetes should include:
Eye exams for people with diabetes should include:
- Visual acuity testing. Visual acuity testing measures the eye's ability to focus and to see details at near and far distances. It can help detect vision loss and other problems.
- Ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp exam. These tests allow your doctor to see the back of the eye and other structures within the eye. They may be used to detect clouding of the lens (cataract), changes in the retina, and other problems.
- Gonioscopy. Gonioscopy is used to find out whether the area where fluid drains out of your eye (called the drainage angle) is open or closed. This test is done if your doctor thinks you may have glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can cause blindness by damaging the optic nerve.
- Tonometry. This test measures the pressure inside the eye, which is called intraocular pressure (IOP). It is used to help detect glaucoma. Diabetes can increase your risk of glaucoma.
Last Updated: April 13, 2007 
