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ask an eye doc, diabetes, eye exam, Eye Health coastaleyecare

Can an Eye Exam Detect Diabetes?

Comprehensive eye exams are important for many reasons. Along with eye-related concerns, eye doctors may be able to detect other health issues during a comprehensive eye exam.

Can you detect diabetes through an eye exam?

The answer is yes, yes you can.

Diabetes affects the blood vessels, and the back of the eye is the only place in the body where an eye doctor can directly view the blood vessels.

If there’s a problem happening, your eye doctor is sometimes the first to detect that change. According to Dr. Cormier, this is why it’s so important you make sure to get your annual eye exam.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows 30.3 million people have diabetes in the U.S., however, 7.2 million people go on undiagnosed.

It’s especially crucial for people with diabetes to get their eyes examined regularly, as they can develop diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels in your retina become damaged.

Often the early stages of diabetic retinopathy have no noticeable symptoms, so Dr. Cormier recommends that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam once a year. According to the CDC, about 90 percent of diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented, but early detection is key.’

Haven’t had your eye exam yet this year? Contact Coastal Eye Care today at either our Clearwater or Pinellas Park locations to make an appointment.

ask an eye doc, Eye Health, Eye Safety coastaleyecare

Is It Time to Change Your Contact Lens Case?

The time has changed and probably so should your contact lens case. Dr. Cormier says one of the most common mistakes he finds is contact lens wearers that do not replace their contact lens case frequently enough. Dr. Cormier recommends changing contact lens cases at least every 3 months to avoid eye irritation and infection. So if you are over due for a replacement case, consider buying them in bulk or even setup a recurring subscription so you won't have to remember next time.

Not only is it good practice to keep a fresh lens case on hand, but consider these other contact lens safety tips:

  • Always wash hands with soap and water before handling contacts.
  • Every day, empty contact solution out of the case, wash with solution and clean fingers.
  • Let the case air dry, upside down on a paper towel, before putting caps back on.
  • Boil the case in water for 5 minutes, then rinse with solution to sanitize between replacements.

By incorporating these practices into your contact lens routine, you will prevent as much bacteria as possible from contaminating your contact lenses and ultimately your eyes themselves. Of course, if you ever have questions regarding your vision you can contact us or request an appointment to come see us at either our Clearwater, FL or Pinellas Park, FL locations.

ask an eye doc, eye exam, Eye Health, Featured Posts, retinal screening coastaleyecare

What Are the Benefits of a Retinal Screening?

Getting an annual eye exam is about more than checking your vision. An eye doctor will examine everything from visual acuity to the pressure of your eyes to signs of any infections or diseases. They are looking at the overall health of your eyes. That’s why it’s so important they look at not just what’s in front of your eyes, but also what’s behind them. That’s where a retinal screening comes in.

What are the benefits of a retinal screening?

“[It] allows the doctor to have a wider view of the inside of your eyes without having to dilate your pupils,” explained Dr. Meghan Riegel.

This enlarged view can help eye doctors assess for conditions such as:

  • Retinal Detachment
  • Glaucoma
  • Age-related Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension

Dr. Riegel shared that retinal screenings use high-resolution imaging systems to take pictures of the inside of your eye. In addition to helping detect diseases early, these images provide a permanent and historical record of changes in your eye. Images can be compared side-by-side, year after year, to discover even subtle changes and help monitor your health.

“The screening helps me see inside of your eyes and its more convenient for you. It’s a win-win!” said Dr. Riegel.

Retinal screenings do not replace regular eye exams, and in some cases, dilation may still be necessary. Talk to your VSP network eye doctor to see if retinal screenings are right for you.