What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?

Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with emphasis on evaluating the retina and macula include:

• Patient history: To determine vision difficulties, presence of diabetes, and other general health concerns that may be affecting vision
• Visual acuity measurements: To determine how much central vision has been affected
• Refraction: To determine if a new eyeglass prescription is needed
• Evaluation of the ocular structures: Including the evaluation of the retina through a dilated pupil
• Measurement of the pressure within the eye

Supplemental testing may include:

• Retinal photography: To document current status of the retina to compare with previous examinations