Diabetic Related Eye Exams

The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams at Diplopia

Diabetes is a complex condition that affects the entire body, including the eyes. At Diplopia, Dr. Kyser understands the critical importance of proactive and comprehensive eye care for diabetic patients. With advanced technology and a holistic approach, she ensures that each patient receives the best possible care to preserve their vision and overall eye health.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Diabetic Eye Exams

At Diplopia, Dr. Kyser uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to monitor and manage diabetic eye health. These include:

• Retinal Imaging: Captures detailed images of the retina, allowing for a clear view of any changes in the blood vessels or other diabetic complications.

• Visual Field Testing: Assesses peripheral vision, which can be affected by diabetic retinopathy.

• Color Vision Testing: Detects any early color vision abnormalities, which can be a sign of diabetic changes.

• Full-Field Electroretinography (ffERG): One of the most advanced tools at Diplopia, ffERG tests the health of the photoreceptors in the eye. This test can detect diabetic-related issues even before visible changes are seen in a retinal exam, allowing for early intervention and better management.

These tools are crucial in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy early, before any noticeable symptoms occur, ensuring that patients can maintain optimal vision for as long as possible.

Why Annual Eye Exams Matter for Diabetic Patients

Dr. Kyser recommends that most asymptomatic diabetic patients undergo a comprehensive eye exam annually. This allows her to detect any subtle changes in the eyes before vision is affected. For patients showing early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other complications, follow-up appointments every 4 to 6 months may be necessary to monitor progression and adjust treatment plans.
 

Diabetic retinopathy can develop without warning, and without regular exams, patients risk permanent vision loss. The earlier problems are detected, the more likely they are to be managed effectively, minimizing damage.

ffERG: Predicting the Future of Your Eye Health

What sets Diplopia apart is the use of ffERG, which offers a glimpse into the future of a diabetic patient’s eye health. This technology evaluates the function of the retina at a deeper level, detecting issues with the photoreceptors—the cells responsible for capturing light—before they become apparent during a standard exam. By identifying potential complications early, Dr. Kyser can intervene with preventative care, helping patients avoid more invasive treatments like laser therapy or injections down the road.

Coordinated Care for a Holistic Approach

At Diplopia, Dr. Kyser takes a holistic approach to diabetic care. She works closely with each patient's primary care physician or endocrinologist to ensure that the treatment plan is cohesive and that the patient’s eye care is part of their overall diabetes management. Communication is key, and Dr. Kyser ensures that the patient’s care team is kept informed of any significant findings from the eye exam.

Diet and Whole-Body Health: More Than Just Eyes

Dr. Kyser doesn’t just focus on the eyes—she treats diabetic patients as whole individuals. Diabetes is a systemic condition, and the health of the body directly affects the health of the eyes. One of the first steps she takes in managing diabetes is discussing dietary habits with her patients.
 

Dr. Kyser emphasizes the importance of reducing carbohydrate intake and eliminating processed foods and seed oils from the diet. She may also recommend nutraceuticals to support overall health and help manage specific symptoms. This comprehensive approach can improve both the patient’s systemic health and their eye health.

Preventing Complications Before They Arise

One of the primary goals of Diplopia is to avoid the need for invasive treatments like laser procedures or injections, which become necessary when diabetic eye disease progresses to more advanced stages. With regular exams, advanced diagnostics like ffERG, and personalized care plans, Dr. Kyser helps her patients avoid these complications through early intervention.  Diabetic eye care at Diplopia is about more than just managing eye health—it’s about taking a proactive, whole-body approach to prevent complications before they arise. With advanced technology and personalized, compassionate care, Dr. Kyser and the team at Diplopia are dedicated to preserving the vision and well-being of every diabetic patient.