Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults. Dr. Lipe provides thorough diabetic eye exams to catch early changes before they threaten your vision.
A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive eye evaluation with a specific focus on the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that diabetes can damage silently over time.
High blood sugar weakens the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts. The dangerous part: most of these conditions produce no symptoms in their early stages. By the time vision changes are noticeable, significant and sometimes irreversible damage may have already occurred.
Annual diabetic eye exams give Dr. Lipe the opportunity to find and document these changes early — when intervention is most effective.
You should schedule a diabetic eye exam if you:
Every diabetic eye exam at Elite Eyecare follows a thorough, protocol-driven process designed to detect early changes and document a baseline for ongoing monitoring.
Dr. Lipe reviews your diabetes history, current medications, most recent A1C, and any symptoms you've noticed — providing critical context for interpreting your exam findings.
We check your best corrected vision and measure intraocular pressure. Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, and elevated eye pressure is an important early warning sign.
Dilation drops widen your pupils so Dr. Lipe can examine the full retina, macula, optic nerve, and retinal blood vessels for signs of diabetic damage or leakage.
Findings are documented with retinal imaging when indicated. Dr. Lipe communicates results to your PCP or endocrinologist and discusses next steps with you before you leave.
Diabetes affects the eyes in several distinct ways. Dr. Lipe evaluates for all of the following at every diabetic eye exam.
Damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by chronic high blood sugar. Ranges from mild nonproliferative changes to severe proliferative retinopathy with new vessel growth and risk of vision loss.
Swelling at the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision — caused by leaking blood vessels. A leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop glaucoma. We measure intraocular pressure and assess the optic nerve at every visit as part of routine diabetic screening.
Diabetes accelerates the development of cataracts. Dr. Lipe monitors lens clarity over time and will let you know if and when cataract surgery may be appropriate to consider.
Every diabetic patient receives a dilated exam and retinal documentation — not a shortened routine exam. We take diabetic eye disease seriously because the stakes are high.
Dr. Lipe communicates findings to your primary care physician or endocrinologist so your full care team is on the same page.
Our patients consistently highlight Dr. Lipe's thoroughness and his ability to explain complex conditions in plain language.
Diabetic eye exams are often covered under both medical and vision plans. We'll help you understand and maximize your benefits before your visit.
Diabetic eye exams may also be covered under your medical plan — call us to verify.
Dr. Lipe is accepting new patients. Most vision and medical plans accepted. Free parking on-site.
Visit us today and experience the difference of personalized and comprehensive eye care services.
