[jen_slc]

I need to get my eyes checked out and I'm planning on going to the swanky eye institute here to see an ophthalmologist but don't know what tests I should be getting. In the past, I've always gone to the crappy mall vision stores because I haven't had insurance and from what I can remember they just did the basic contact lens exam and maybe looked at my retina? I remember some puffs of air and that's about it.

Anyway, besides the basic contact lens/prescription exam, what are the tests I should be getting to assess my general eye health as a diabetic? I don't think I've had any "fancy" tests for several years.

[Stumpkins]

Hi, I get the full eye work up -- I had cataracts when I was diagnosed, and had the full surgery, plus laser afterward.

I see an eye surgeon every year, to check for rhetinopathy. If you catch it early enough, you can treat it..VERY important!

[Cyborg]

You should see an opthamologist and inform them that you are a diabetic.

[Cinnabon]

Exactly what everyone said....

After seeing years of the wrong doctors, I discover, a bit late, I have Retinopathy. Have everything done. Even the contrast test where they inject dye into your vin and take pictures. Good luck and keep us posted!

[camjen1]

I have had pictures of my eyes taken, eye pressure measured, and I have had dye put in them also and examined. With the eye pressure test they numb your eye with drops and actually stick this measuring device directly on your eye. For the dye test they add dye and then make you stare into a very bright light while they yell at you and tell you to keep your eye open. The bright light makes your eyes heavy and watery. I don't think they do the air puff test anymore but that could just be in my DR's office.

[Tokyo Cate]

Originally Posted by camjen1

With the eye pressure test they numb your eye with drops and actually stick this measuring device directly on your eye. For the dye test they add dye and then make you stare into a very bright light while they yell at you and tell you to keep your eye open.

I find it cute having these tests done here. My doctors use English, because my Japanese is so poor, but often they lack confidence and focus very much on using polite language: "Please look to reft. Please open your eye. Please keep open your eye."

Reading the eye chart here is funny, too.

As for your tests: as others have said, let the ophthalmologist know that you are diabetic and you want a full screening for complications including all those fun tests listed above.

Each time I get a clean bill of eye health, I want to re-create that old toothpaste commercial and scream, "Look, Ma. No [retinopathy]!!"

[Stumpkins]

The blue light test -- that one, to me is the MOST fun!! ha ha ha

That laser of light coming straight at you..but NO..don't blink!!

[jen_slc]

Grr, I've just made my appointment for March 31st and don't think these exams will be covered. I don't actually have a vision plan under my insurance, but the insurance company has contracted with a separate company to provide discounted rates at certain providers, and this institute is one of them. Except the institute doesn't know anything about this arrangement.

The contact lens exam and fitting will run me $75-$100, I'm prepared for that, but what do the other exams cost? They know I'm diabetic and so have set me up for all the exams you guys have mentioned (a bit nervous about those, I hate the eye doctor! blue lasers in the eyes?? ) and I'm afraid it's going to cost me several hundred $$$. (and I'm afraid they'll find something terribly wrong, just because I haven't been in for a while, even though I haven't noticed any problems myself). I know I should have everything done regardless of the cost, my eyes are extremely important and they are excellent physicians there. I just wish there was some help in the cost if my eyes are totally healthy - they tell me if they find a serious problem, or if I am being seen for a special medical reason, I won't have to pay. Doesn't my diabetes count as my special medical reason? Guess I'll find out next week.

[Lynne1]

I go to an opthamologist and get a dialated eye exam, cataract test and vision test. I think that's it. The dialated eye exam is the one where they put drops in your eyes to dialate the pupils and then examine your retina to make sure it's ok. My dr also did a 'baseline' where he took a picture (or something) of my retina so he can check for changes which might indicate retina damage. He's quite the dude! Don't you agree?

The exam is covered as a part of my insurance because I have diabetes. My insurance doesn't require referrals to see a specialist. You can get a referral from your endo or primary care if you need one.

I used to order my contacts from my dr. Now that I know what brand I like I get my prescription from the dr and order my contacts through 1-800-contacts.

Good luck!!!

[jen_slc]

*phew* I had my appointment this afternoon and I'm in the clear, no signs of retinopathy. I was very worried, having not had all these tests for several years. My vision has gotten worse, which I expected, though feel like I can't get any more blind than I already am. Did not like it when they numbed my eyes and poked my eyeballs. And having to come back to work and sit in front of a computer with dilated eyes... it's not working! It's a miserably cloudy day, the lights are off and I still need my sunglasses.

[Cinnabon]

WONDERFUL news!!!!!!!!!!... Hey Id be numb for 2 days straight if I could get the news u got!