Diabetic Eye Exams
Proactive eye care for people with diabetes, early detection, precise diagnostics, and trusted guidance.
Most insurance plans accepted
When Diabetes Affects Eye Health
Diabetes can affect your eyes even when your vision feels normal. Our diabetic eye exams go beyond a standard vision check, using advanced imaging and diagnostic testing to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease, monitor changes over time, and help protect your sight for the future.
What We Watch
Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Diabetic Macular Edema: Fluid buildup in the center of the retina, which can cause blurry or distorted vision.
Glaucoma & Cataract Risk: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts, so we monitor for early signs of both.
Prescription Changes: Fluctuating blood sugar can affect the eye’s natural lens, sometimes causing temporary changes in vision or shifts in your glasses prescription.
A Wider View, Kept Over Time
Not all retinal imaging shows the same amount of detail.
Our diabetic eye exams include high-resolution imaging that captures a wider view of the retina, including the outer areas where diabetes-related changes can often appear. Those images are saved over time, giving your doctor a clearer way to compare what is stable, what is changing, and what may need closer attention.
That kind of comparison matters. Small changes are easier to understand when we can look back, not just look once.
When It's Time for an Eye Exam
It's Been a Year
Diabetes can affect the eyes before vision feels different. An annual diabetic eye exam helps us look for changes early and compare findings over time.
Vision Feels Different
Blur, distortion, floaters, or sudden changes in vision should be evaluated, even if they seem mild at first.
Blood Sugar Has Fluctuated
Changes in blood sugar can temporarily affect vision and may also give your doctor important context for your eye health.
Your Doctor Recommended It
If your primary care doctor or endocrinologist has asked for a diabetic eye exam, we can complete the evaluation and help keep your care connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a diabetic eye exam?
Most patients with diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. Depending on what your doctor finds, we may recommend more frequent monitoring.
The eyes can show early signs of diabetic changes, sometimes before you notice vision symptoms. That’s why these exams matter not only for your eye health, but for your overall health as well.
What happens if you do find diabetic changes in my eyes?
It depends on what we see. Some changes simply need to be monitored closely. Others may need treatment, especially if they are more advanced or affecting the retina.
If your eyes need care beyond what we provide in-office, we’ll refer you to a trusted ophthalmology specialist and help guide the next step.
Will my eyes be dilated for this exam?
Possibly. Your doctor will decide based on your eye health, your history, and what we see during your wellness screening.
We know dilation can be temporarily inconvenient, but when it’s needed, it gives your doctor a more complete view of the retina and helps us protect your long-term vision.
Do you accept insurance for diabetic eye exams?
Yes. Diabetic eye exams are typically billed through medical insurance because diabetes can affect the health of the eyes. Coverage can vary, so our team will help review your expected benefits and copays before your visit whenever possible.
Which locations offer diabetic eye exams?
Diabetic eye exams are available at both our Herndon and Oakton locations. We regularly care for patients from Reston, Fairfax, Vienna, Tysons, Chantilly, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
Stay Ahead of Diabetes
Diabetes can affect your eyes before vision changes are noticeable. Schedule your diabetic eye exam for careful monitoring and clear next steps.
Most insurance plans accepted