Dilated pupil examinations are a crucial component of regular care for people with diabetes. In preparation for these examinations, patients receive special eye drops that enlarge their pupils. This provides the examiner with a clearer view of the back of the eye, and makes it easier to see damage caused by diabetes. Patients with diabetes are at high risk for eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.

Sometimes this exam helps uncover diabetes in a person who was previously undiagnosed. Blurry vision or other visual difficulties can be a symptom of diabetes.

All ophthalmologists and some specially trained optometrists can perform dilated eye examinations. Ophthalmologists are physicians who can also prescribe medications and perform surgeries. Patients may want to ask their primary care physician to recommend an eye-care specialist with a track record of treating patients who have diabetes.

People with diabetes should have a dilated pupil examination at least annually. This will help physicians to better diagnose and treat eye disorders in the early stages of their development.

The eye drops used to dilate the pupils may prevent patients from properly focusing their eyes afterward. Patients may be advised not to drive home.