Ophthalmology Associates

Diabetes Eye Care & Diabetic Eye Exams

Protect your eyes. Stay ahead of diabetes.

Diabetes Eye Care:
Safeguarding Your Vision from Diabetes

If you have diabetes, protecting your vision is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health. Diabetes increases your risk for several serious eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts. These conditions often develop silently, but the damage can be irreversible if left unchecked.

The good news? With regular diabetic eye exams and proactive management through comprehensive diabetes eye care, many vision problems can be detected early — and even prevented. According to the CDC, early detection and timely treatment can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by up to 95%.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, particularly in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. Over time, this damage can lead to swelling, bleeding, abnormal growth of blood vessels, and scarring — all of which threaten your ability to see clearly.

This is why diabetes eye care is more than just an exam. It’s an ongoing process of monitoring your vision, checking for subtle changes, and protecting the health of your retina and optic nerve. By staying consistent with your diabetic eye exam schedule, you give yourself the best chance at long-term eye health. For related care, our practice also manages cataracts and glaucoma, which are common in people with diabetes.

Early Detection = Better Outcomes

The tricky part? Diabetic eye disease often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision changes occur, the damage may already be advanced. That’s why scheduling an annual diabetic eye exam is so critical for anyone with diabetes. A diabetic eye exam includes dilating the pupils to carefully check the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels for early changes.

With advanced imaging technology, Dr. Belgrave can monitor even the smallest changes in your eye health. This makes your diabetic eye exam one of the most powerful tools in preventing vision loss. Early detection means better treatment options, less invasive procedures, and a greater chance of protecting your sight.

Want to know more about ongoing monitoring? Visit our Annual Eye Exams page to see how we integrate yearly screenings into your complete care plan.

Customized Care for Every Patient

No two patients — or cases of diabetes — are the same. That’s why Dr. Belgrave works closely with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to ensure your eye care plan fits seamlessly into your overall health management.

From routine monitoring to referrals for specialized treatment, Dr. Belgrave tailors care to your unique needs. For some patients, this means focusing on early-stage detection, while others may need ongoing checks for ocular hypertension or corneal disease management Either way, you’ll receive care that’s as individual as you are.

Why Trust Dr. Belgrave for Your Diabetic Eye Care?

With specialized training from Mt. Sinai — one of the nation’s Top 25 residency programs — Dr. Belgrave brings both advanced clinical expertise and a deep understanding of complex medical eye conditions to every diabetic eye exam.

His three-time recognition as a “Top VA Doctor” highlights his dedication to patient outcomes, while his education at Harvard Medical School (top 10% of his class in Ophthalmology and Optometry) ensures that your care is backed by world-class training. This combination of skill and compassion is what makes his approach to diabetes eye care both trusted and effective.

Diabetes eye care and diabetic eye exam

Protect Your Vision — Protect Your Health

If you have diabetes, your eyes deserve expert attention. Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Dr. Belgrave today and take an important step toward preserving your vision for years to come.

Comprehensive diabetes eye care goes beyond detecting problems — it helps prevent them. Whether it’s checking for early signs of retinopathy, monitoring retinal health, or protecting your sight from cataracts and glaucoma, the right care can make all the difference.

Learn more through the American Diabetes Association’s Eye Health page or explore our Patient Education section for resources designed to keep you informed and proactive.

Learn why a diabetic eye exam is essential. Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Dr. Belgrave today and take an important step toward long-term diabetes eye care.

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Vision  |   Precision   |   Brilliance

Schedule an Appointment

Vision  |   Precision   |   Brilliance

Network Insurances

  • Aetna
  • Aetna Medicare
  • Always Care/UNUM/Colonial Life
  • Ameritas
  • Anthem
  • Anthem HealthKeepers – Plus (Davis)
  • Anthem HealthKeepers (Blue View)
  • Avesis
  • Clarity Vision (DVSC)
  • Coast to Coast Insurance
  • Community Eye Care
  • Davis Vision (FEP Blue vision)
  • EyeMed
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  • Magellan Complete Care of Virginia (MCC)
  • March Vision Care
  • Medicare
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  • NVA OUN
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  • Outlook discount 10% off
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  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
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  • Universal Healthcare
  • Vision One Discount Plan (Aetna)
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  • VSP affiliate