Diabetic Eye Exams | Pacific Pier Optometry

Protect Your Vision with Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar—it can impact how you see the world around you. It’s one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults. The good news is that most diabetes-related eye problems are preventable with yearly eye exams.

If you have type 2 diabetes, we recommend scheduling an exam soon after diagnosis. For type 1, plan your first visit within 5 years of diagnosis. From there, we recommend annual exams to monitor your eye health. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference.

Let’s stay ahead of vision changes. Book your diabetic eye exam today.

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What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease isn’t just one condition—it’s a group of complications that develop over time. The longer you live with diabetes, the more critical it becomes to monitor your eyes closely.

You may have heard terms like diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), glaucoma, or cataracts. All of these can be connected to diabetes, and when caught early, they’re usually manageable with the proper care plan.

Signs Your Vision Might Be Affected

Diabetes can quietly affect the blood vessels in your eyes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage those vessels, leading to leakage and swelling.

That’s why we don’t just check your prescription—we take a complete look at your eye health. Not every eye issue shows symptoms immediately, making regular, comprehensive eye exams essential.

If you’ve noticed any of the following changes, it’s time to see us:

Blurry or wavy vision
Flashes or floaters
Dark or empty areas in your sight
Trouble seeing at night
Colors looking faded
Frequent prescription changes

These signs may indicate diabetic eye disease. But we’re here to help sort out what’s going on, with care that’s tailored to you.

Our Technology, Your Comfort

Our team uses various methods to diagnose diabetic eye disease. In addition to assessing your visual acuity, we’ll check how your overall eye system functions.

We use a few key tools to help us spot early signs of diabetic eye disease. Dilation is also an important part of diabetic eye exams. It lets us carefully examine the retina for any changes or signs of diabetes-related eye problems before symptoms appear.

Here’s what might be part of your visit:

Optos retinal imaging scans your eye to create a map of its internal structures. This creates a wide-angle view of your retina (the back of your eye), which allows us to track changes in your eye health.

Fundus photography allows us to see the inner wall of the eye. We take high-resolution images of your retina (the back of the eye) and optic nerve (the nerve connecting the eyes to the brain), helping us track changes over time.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows us to view cross-sections of your retina (back of the eye), which can reveal swelling, fluid buildup, or early signs of diabetic macular edema.

Helping You Keep Your Eyes Healthy

You’re already managing a lot. We’re here to help make eye care feel more manageable and not overwhelming. Our experienced team will guide you through your diabetic eye exam with clarity and compassion.

Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Schedule your diabetic eye exam today and keep your vision in control.

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Services We Offer

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Why Choose Pacific Pier Optometry?

Quality, personalized eye care with a fun, approachable team. Here’s why so many choose us:

Carefully Selected Eyewear

We believe your eyewear should be as unique as you are! Our eyewear collection features an intimate selection of quality frames that fit every aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or a classic everyday look, we can help you find the perfect pair that complements your style.

Passion & Reliability

Our team is not only knowledgeable, but also passionate about eye health! We pride ourselves on creating a friendly and approachable atmosphere. We understand that eye care can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we’re here to make it relatable and enjoyable for our patients. Your comfort and understanding are our top priorities.

Eye Care with a Personal Touch

Experience eye care that combines technology with a team you’ll feel relaxed with. We strive to make every visit feel like a personal experience, rather than a medical appointment. Our team is about making it easy for you to understand your eye health and our services. From your first appointment to your frame selection, we’re here for you.

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We’re just a stone’s throw from the beach and vibrant local shops—we’re easy to access and aim to provide a relaxing space where you can focus on your eye health.