Diabetic Retinopathy
Protect your vision with preventive, personalized eye care.
Diabetic Eye Exams in Oak Brook
Diabetes can have a lasting impact on your vision, often before symptoms begin. We provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams using advanced diagnostics to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other related conditions. With decades of experience and a strong focus on long-term monitoring, Dr. Joseph Franceschini and his team are here to support your eye health at every stage.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to leak, swell, or close entirely, impairing the retina's ability to process light and send signals to the brain.
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. But as it progresses, it can lead to vision loss that cannot be reversed. Routine exams are the only reliable way to catch it before permanent damage occurs.
Why Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Are Essential
Having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes puts you at increased risk for several sight-threatening conditions—diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and glaucoma, among others. The longer you’ve had diabetes, the higher your risk becomes. Uncontrolled blood sugar, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol can all accelerate vision damage.
The best defense is a proactive one. Annual diabetic eye exams allow us to identify even subtle retinal changes early, giving you more options to manage your health and protect your sight.
Diagnostics for Early Detection
Zeiss OCT Imaging
We use advanced OCT to capture high-resolution cross-sections of the retina—essential for detecting diabetic damage that isn’t yet visible during routine exams.
Fundus Photography
This tool lets us document and compare retinal changes over time, helping us track disease progression and make informed care decisions.
Visual Field Testing & Dilation
These techniques help us check for fluid leakage, swelling, and blind spots caused by diabetic retinopathy—often before symptoms are noticeable.
Personalized, Proactive Care
With this technology, we can detect changes early and build a long-term care plan that protects your vision and supports your overall eye health.
Ongoing Monitoring and Co-Managed Retinopathy Care
Many patients with diabetes will need regular eye monitoring to track changes. Whether you’re in the early stages of retinopathy or managing long-standing disease, we’re here to guide and support you.
Our office also collaborates closely with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and the ophthalmology group located upstairs. This allows us to coordinate care efficiently, whether it involves monitoring, medical management, or a referral for advanced treatment.
Recognizing the Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy
While many patients experience no symptoms in the early stages, you should contact us promptly if you notice:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Floaters or dark spots
- Trouble seeing at night
- Blank or dark areas in your vision
- Sudden vision loss
Even if your vision seems stable, yearly exams remain essential for early detection and prevention.
- Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday: Alternating Saturdays
- Sunday: Closed