A diabetic eye exam is a dilated eye exam that checks for diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye disease. Early retinopathy usually has no symptoms, so regular exams are the only way to catch it before vision is lost.
Here’s when to start, how often to go, what happens and how it’s covered. Test yourself with the diabetic eye exam quiz.
Key takeaways
- Type 2 diabetes: first dilated exam at diagnosis. Type 1: within 5 years of diagnosis.
- Then usually every year (every 1–2 years if there’s no retinopathy and diabetes is well controlled).
- Medicare Part B covers a yearly diabetic retinopathy exam.
- Controlling A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol lowers your risk.
USA Diabetic Eye Exam: Quick Facts
- Type 2 diabetes
- First exam at diagnosis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Within 5 years of diagnosis
- Frequency
- Yearly (1–2 years if low risk)
- Key tests
- Dilated retinal exam, imaging, OCT
- Medicare
- Part B covers once a year
- Billing
- Usually medical insurance
When to Get a Diabetic Eye Exam
| Situation | Recommended timing |
|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes | At diagnosis, then usually every year |
| Type 1 diabetes | Within 5 years of diagnosis, then usually every year |
| No retinopathy, well-controlled diabetes | Every 1–2 years, as advised by your eye doctor |
| Pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes | Before pregnancy or in the first trimester, then monitored |
| Any retinopathy found | More often, as your eye doctor recommends |
What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam
- Visual acuity and eye pressure checks
- Dilating drops to widen the pupils
- Examination of the retina, blood vessels and optic nerve
- Retinal photos and often an OCT scan to check for macular swelling
Some primary care offices use FDA-cleared AI retinal cameras for screening, with positive results referred to an eye doctor. Plan for blurry, light-sensitive vision for a few hours after dilation.
More on What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam →Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Findings
- Nonproliferative retinopathy: damaged, leaky blood vessels
- Proliferative retinopathy: fragile new vessels that can bleed or detach the retina
- Diabetic macular edema: swelling of central vision, often treated with anti-VEGF injections
- Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma
Diabetic Eye Exam Coverage
Medicare Part B covers an exam for diabetic retinopathy once a year by an eye doctor legally allowed to do it in your state. The deductible and coinsurance apply. Private plans usually bill it to medical insurance, not vision insurance. Also see our eye exam guide and annual wellness exam.
More on Diabetic Eye Exam Coverage →Free practice test
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Go to the USA Diabetic Eye Exam practice test →USA Diabetic Eye Exam FAQs
How often should a diabetic get an eye exam?
Usually every year. If there’s no retinopathy and diabetes is well controlled, your eye doctor may recommend every 1–2 years.
Full answer →What happens during a diabetic eye exam?
Your pupils are dilated so the doctor can examine the retina, often with retinal photos and an OCT scan.
Full answer →Does Medicare cover a diabetic eye exam?
Yes. Part B covers a yearly diabetic retinopathy exam; the deductible and coinsurance apply.
Full answer →Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Damage can’t always be reversed, but treatment and good diabetes control can stop or slow it and prevent most severe vision loss.
Full answer →Is a diabetic eye exam different from a regular eye exam?
It focuses on the retina and requires dilation or retinal imaging. A basic vision screening isn’t enough.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.