Diabetes can change the retina before it changes your vision.
Diabetic retinopathy develops silently: elevated blood sugar damages the small vessels of the retina, often with no symptoms until later stages. An annual dilated exam finds those changes early, when they are most treatable.
High-resolution retinal photography for baseline and progression tracking
OCT imaging to detect swelling, thinning, or structural changes such as macular edema
Eye pressure testing
Our Los Angeles eye doctors evaluate and manage diabetic retinopathy and macular edema among other retinal conditions, and when specialized treatment is required, we coordinate referrals with trusted retinal specialists to ensure seamless care. Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr leads diabetic eye care, co-managing with your primary doctor or endocrinologist — including the exam report your physician asks for each year.
Covered care
A medical exam, billed to medical insurance.
Diabetic eye exams are medical eye care
We can often use medical insurance in lieu of vision insurance for exams
Yearly for most people with diabetes, or more often if changes are found. We follow the interval your doctors set together.
Yes. Diabetic retinopathy frequently has no early symptoms, and early diagnosis is critical to preserving vision.
Yes. We co-manage diabetic eye care and report findings to your physician.
A dilated examination of the retina, retinal photography, and OCT imaging that measures swelling in the macula, plus vision, eye pressure and a check of the lens and front of the eye. Dilation blurs near vision for a few hours, so bring sunglasses and plan on a driver. Your physician receives the report. For what we are looking for, see diabetic retinopathy.
Sometimes. Retinal signs such as small hemorrhages or leaking vessels, or a prescription that swings with blood sugar, can be the first clue, and we refer for testing when we see them. The retina is the one place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly, which is also why the exam is used to monitor diabetes once it is diagnosed.
Yes, as a medical visit. Medicare Part B covers a yearly eye exam for diabetic retinopathy (you pay 20% after the deductible), and commercial medical plans cover it the same way. It is billed to medical insurance, not a vision plan.
