Your diabetes eye screening found early changes in the back of your eye. This is common with diabetes and very treatable when it is caught early. The eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will take a closer look.
The specialist will put drops in your eyes to dilate (widen) your pupils so they can see the back of your eye. The drops are painless. For a few hours afterwards your vision will be blurry and your eyes will be sensitive to light. Bring sunglasses if you have them.
Because of the drops, you should not drive after the visit. Please arrange a ride home — a family member, a friend, or the transportation we set up for you.
A positive screen means diabetes has started to affect the small blood vessels in your eye. You may see perfectly fine today — these changes usually have no symptoms at first. Seeing the specialist now is how you protect your sight: found early, most eye damage from diabetes can be slowed or prevented.
After the visit the specialist will tell you what they saw and whether anything else is needed — often just a check-up in a few months. Your clinic will receive the results. If you have questions before the visit, message us here or call your clinic.