Unfortunately, Diabetic Retinopathy is a progressive disease. In order to prevent the sight threatening complications of Diabetic Retinopathy, it is important for all diabetic patients to have a complete eye health examination at least once a year. To most effectively detect blood vessel leakage and the presence of Diabetic Retinopathy in its earliest stages, it may be suggested that you return for more frequent reexaminations. While “screening photographs”, even through a dilated pupil may be of some use, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive diabetic eye examination. Patients with diabetes may also be more prone to other significant eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts and thus a comprehensive eye examination is a necessity.
In addition, depending on the severity and the progression of your Diabetic Retinopathy it may recommended that you have an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF) on a regular basis in order to document any changes to the retinal circulation and blood vessels. Today, the majority of health insurance companies pay for regular annual diabetic eye exams with Intravenous Fluorescein Angiography (IVF) as often as needed in order to help patients preserve their vision.
