Diabetic Eye Care in Hillsborough, NJ
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the United States. High blood sugar levels damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina over time — often without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. At Amwell Eye Care, Dr. Adam Zhao provides thorough diabetic eye exams designed to detect changes early, monitor progression, and help you protect your long-term vision.
Why Diabetic Eye Exams Are Essential
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can affect your eyes, and vision loss from diabetic eye disease is largely preventable when caught early. The American Diabetes Association recommends that every person with diabetes receive a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once per year. Even if your vision seems fine, significant damage can be present without any symptoms.
Regular diabetic eye exams allow Dr. Zhao to:
- Detect diabetic retinopathy in its earliest, most treatable stages
- Monitor changes in the retina, macula, and optic nerve over time
- Screen for diabetic macular edema, which can cause rapid central vision loss
- Identify early signs of glaucoma and cataracts, which occur at higher rates in diabetic patients
- Coordinate care with your primary care physician or endocrinologist
Conditions We Monitor and Treat
Diabetes affects the eyes in several ways. Our diabetic eye care program monitors for all diabetes-related ocular conditions, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy — damage to the blood vessels of the retina, the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults
- Diabetic macular edema (DME) — swelling in the central part of the retina that can blur or distort central vision
- Cataracts — clouding of the lens that develops earlier and progresses faster in people with diabetes
- Glaucoma — increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve; diabetic patients are twice as likely to develop glaucoma
- Neovascularization — abnormal new blood vessel growth that can lead to severe vision loss if untreated
What to Expect During Your Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam is more comprehensive than a standard vision check. Dr. Zhao uses advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate the full health of your eyes, including:
- Dilated fundus exam — dilating eye drops widen the pupil so Dr. Zhao can examine the retina, macula, and optic nerve in detail
- Fundus photography — high-resolution retinal images create a baseline record and allow side-by-side comparison at future visits to track any changes
- Visual field testing — checks for any peripheral vision loss that may indicate glaucoma or retinal damage
- Intraocular pressure measurement — screens for glaucoma
- Visual acuity assessment — measures how diabetes may be affecting your everyday clarity of vision
Please plan for your pupils to remain dilated for 2–4 hours after your exam. We recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging a ride if possible, as your near vision and light sensitivity will be temporarily affected.
How Often Should You Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?
- Type 1 diabetes: First exam within 5 years of diagnosis, then annually
- Type 2 diabetes: Exam at time of diagnosis, then annually
- During pregnancy: Exam in the first trimester, with close follow-up throughout — pregnancy can accelerate diabetic eye changes
- If changes are detected: More frequent monitoring every 3–6 months depending on severity
Not sure what to expect at your first visit? Read our full guide to diabetes and your eyes for a detailed walkthrough of how diabetes affects vision and what a dilated exam involves.
Tips for Protecting Your Vision with Diabetes
In addition to regular eye exams, you can reduce your risk of diabetic eye disease by:
- Keeping blood sugar levels within your target range consistently
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
- Not smoking, or quitting if you currently do
- Reporting any sudden changes in vision — floaters, blurry vision, or dark spots — to us immediately
Insurance & Scheduling
Diabetic eye exams are typically covered under medical insurance (not just vision insurance) as a medically necessary service. We accept most major plans including Medicare, VSP, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and EyeMed. Our staff will verify your coverage before your visit.
To schedule your diabetic eye exam in Hillsborough, NJ, contact us online or call (908) 336-3886. Same-week appointments are often available.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today
Don’t wait for symptoms. Annual diabetic eye exams are one of the most important steps you can take to preserve your vision.
