Diagnostic Tests for Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diagnostic Tests
The list of diagnostic tests
mentioned in various sources as
used in the diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy
includes:
- Ordinary doctor eye exam - not fully adequate; may not detect non-advanced cases.
- Dilated eye exam - best performed by eye specialist
- Eye test (vision test) - not useful; only detects very advanced cases of retinopathy.
- Dye test (fluorescein angiogram) - This is a special eye that that shows retinal circulation.
- Amsler grid - A special test that helps you identify what parts of your visual field are damaged.
- Slit lamp examination - Often done as part of a dilated eye exam. This test examines front or back of eye.
- Color Fundus Photography exam (dilated) - A form of photography of the retina.
- Eye ultrasound test (ultrasonography) - A rarely used test that is mainly used when there is a vitreous hemorrhage or cataract that makes a visual dilated eye checkup not possible.
- Non-mydriatic camera - A new form of retinal examination for retinopathy that does not require pupil dilation. Not widely available yet.
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to Diabetic Retinopathy:
- High Cholesterol: Home Testing:
- High Blood Pressure: Home Testing
- Heart Health: Home Testing:
- Thyroid: Home Testing:
- Diet & Weight Loss: Home Testing:
- Adrenal Gland Health: Home Testing:
- Kidney Health: Home Testing:
- Diabetes: Related Home Testing:
- Vision & Eye Health: Home Testing:
Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis: Book Excerpts
Tests and diagnosis discussion for Diabetic Retinopathy:
Keep your eyes healthy: NIDDK (Excerpt)
Have an eye doctor examine your eyes once a year. Have this exam
even if your vision is OK. The eye doctor will use drops to make the
black part of your eyes (pupils) bigger. This is called dilating
(DY-lay-ting) your pupil, which allows the doctor to see your retina.
Finding eye problems early and getting treatment right away will help
prevent more serious problems later on. (Source: excerpt from Keep your eyes healthy: NIDDK)
Are You at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease: NEI (Excerpt)
If you have diabetes, you should have your eyes examined at least
once a year. Your eyes should be dilated during the exam. That means
eyedrops are used to enlarge your pupils. This allows the eye care
professional to see more of the inside of your eyes to check for
signs of the disease. (Source: excerpt from Are You at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease: NEI)
Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy: NEI (Excerpt)
Diabetic retinopathy
is detected during an eye examination that includes:
Your eye care professional will look at your retina for early
signs of the disease, such as: (1) leaking blood vessels, (2)
retinal swelling, such as macular edema, (3) pale, fatty deposits on
the retina--signs of leaking blood vessels, (4) damaged nerve
tissue, and (5) any changes in the blood vessels.
Should your doctor suspect that you need treatment for macular
edema, he or she may ask you to have a test called fluorescein
angiography.
In this test, a special dye is injected into your arm. Pictures
are then taken as the dye passes through the blood vessels in the
retina. This test allows your doctor to find the leaking blood
vessels. (Source: excerpt from Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy: NEI)
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