Diabetic Eye Exams in Pearl City, Hawaii
Annual diabetic eye evaluations — detect retinopathy before vision is lost.
If you have diabetes, your eyes need a comprehensive exam every year. Diabetic eye disease has no early warning signs — most patients do not notice changes until vision loss has already begun. At Clear Sight Hawaii, we perform detailed diabetic eye evaluations to detect these changes before they become serious.
Dr. Murakami's Background in Diabetic Eye Disease
Dr. Jana Murakami completed an internship at Huhukam Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Arizona — one of the highest-prevalence areas for diabetes in the United States. This gave her exceptional clinical experience with diabetic eye complications early in her career.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. In early stages, there are no visible symptoms. As the condition progresses, it can cause floaters, blurred vision, and eventually blindness. Annual eye exams allow us to detect these changes early — when treatment is most effective.
What Your Diabetic Eye Exam Includes
- Review of your diabetes history and most recent A1C levels
- Visual acuity testing
- Eye pressure measurement
- Retinal evaluation using Optos imaging or dilation*
- Documentation and report for your primary care physician or endocrinologist
- Referrals to retinal specialists when needed
How Often Do Diabetics Need Eye Exams?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that all patients with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year. Patients with active diabetic retinopathy may need more frequent monitoring — we will advise you based on your findings.
Insurance Coverage
Diabetic eye exams are billed as a medical visit — not a routine vision exam — and are typically covered by medical insurance. We accept HMSA, Tricare, UHC, AlohaCare, UHA, Medicare, and Medicaid. Please have your medical insurance card available when you call.