How often do I really need to get my eyes checked?

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should get a dilated eye examination as soon as you have been diagnosed. It is possible that your blood glucose has been above normal for several years and you did not know. That could mean that you already have some damage at the back of your eyes.

If you have type 1 diabetes, it is not necessary to get a dilated eye examination until you have had diabetes for five years. If your first dilated eye examination is perfectly normal, you only need to get the test repeated every two years. Some people prefer to get their eyes examined every year. This is especially important if you have poor blood glucose control or if you have high blood pressure or if you smoke. If your eye doctor tells you that you have developed some damage to the back of your eye from diabetes, then you will be asked to have the dilated eye examination more often (at least once a year).

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