What to Expect at Your Retina Visit: Advanced Care for Diabetic Eye Disease at Our Practice
Being referred to a retina specialist can feel intimidating, especially if you have diabetic eye disease and are unsure what comes next. At Drs. Campbell Cunningham Taylor & Haun, our goal is to make your retina visit clear, comfortable and reassuring. This behind-the-scenes guide walks you through when a referral is needed, what to expect during your appointment and how our advanced technology helps protect your vision.
When a Retina Referral Is Needed
Your primary eye doctor may refer you to our retina team when they detect any signs of diabetic eye changes, including:
- Early or advanced diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular edema
- Unexplained vision changes or new floaters
- Bleeding in the retina
- Areas of poor blood flow or abnormal vessel growth
A referral does not mean you will immediately need treatment. It simply means you will benefit from a deeper specialist evaluation to determine what stage of disease is present and what steps will protect your vision best.
The Technologies We Use to Examine and Treat Diabetic Eye Disease
At our East Tennessee retina center, we use advanced tools designed to detect even the smallest changes caused by diabetes.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT is a painless scan that creates detailed cross-section images of your retina. It allows us to see swelling, fluid pockets or thinning that may not be visible during a routine exam.
Retinal Photography and Widefield Imaging
High-resolution images help us track changes in your retinal blood vessels over time. These images are especially useful for monitoring diabetic retinopathy progression.
Fluorescein Angiography
For some patients, we may use a dye test that highlights leaking or blocked blood vessels. This test helps us plan targeted treatment.
Laser Treatment
In certain stages of retinopathy or macular edema, precise laser therapy helps seal leaking vessels and reduce swelling.
Intravitreal Injections
These small injections deliver medication directly to the retina to reduce swelling or stop abnormal blood vessel growth. Although the idea sounds intimidating, most patients say the treatment is quick and easier than expected.
What to Bring and How to Prepare for Your Retina Visit
To help us give you the most complete care, bring:
- A list of your medications and dosages
- Any past eye records if available
- Your most recent blood sugar and A1C results
- A list of questions or concerns
- Sunglasses for after dilation
- A driver if possible, since your eyes may stay dilated for several hours
Your appointment may take longer than a routine eye exam because it includes imaging, dilation and a thorough review of your retinal health.
Why Follow-Up Timing Matters
If you have diabetic eye disease, follow-up visits are essential. The retina can change quickly, especially if diabetes is not well controlled. Early detection leads to:
- Less invasive treatments
- Lower risk of progression to severe retinopathy
- Better long-term visual outcomes
- Faster response to medication or laser therapy when needed
Your retina specialist will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your condition, which may range from every few months to once a year.
Your Retina Visit Is a Partnership
At Campbell Cunningham Taylor & Haun, we believe in guiding patients through every step of diabetic eye care with clarity and compassion. Understanding what happens during your retina visit can ease anxiety and help you feel confident in your care plan. If you have diabetes and have been referred for a retina evaluation, we are here to help you protect your vision with skill, technology and personalized support.