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If you are diabetic, you need to have a dilated eye examination at least yearly! That is the message of Diabetes 2000, an educational initiative launched by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1989 with the goal of eliminating preventable blindness from diabetes.

The facts:
  • Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans
  • Individuals with diabetes are 25 times more likely to go blind than the general population
  • Visual loss is a relatively late symptom in the development of diabetic retinopathy
  • Individuals with sight-threatening disease frequently have no symptoms
  • Laser treatment is most effective when applied before any loss of vision
  • Once vision loss has occurred, it may be irreversible
  • Early detection and appropriate laser treatment reduces the risk of severe visual loss by 90%
  • All adults with diabetes should have a dilated fundus examination at least yearly.
If you are diabetic:

Make sure you have a dilated eye exam by a qualified eye doctor at least once a year. Having your glasses checked is not the same as having your pupils dilated. Most general doctors do not have the necessary drops and equipment to perform an adequate dilated examination (general practitioners, internists, endocrinologists, pediatricians, etc.). Even if your regular doctor looks at your eyes regularly and your vision seems fine, you still should have a dilated eye exam by a qualified eye doctor at least yearly.

As a retinal specialist, Dr. Goldman has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. If you or someone you know has diabetes or any other retinal problem, please call us to arrange a comprehensive evaluation at either of our convenient locations.


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This document maintained by Edward J. Goldman, M.D.
Material Copyright © 1998-2004 Edward J. Goldman, M.D.