How Often Should You Get Retina Checks If You’re High Risk?

Regular retina exams are essential for maintaining long-term eye health, especially for individuals with risk factors for retinal disease. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, a family history of retinal disorders or high myopia increase the likelihood of complications like diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears or macular degeneration. Knowing how often to schedule retina checks can help detect problems early and protect vision.

For diabetic patients, the timing of exams depends on the type of diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes should have their first retinal exam within 5 years of diagnosis and continue with yearly checkups or more frequently if retinopathy is detected. Those with type 2 diabetes should be evaluated at diagnosis, with annual follow-ups unless the doctor recommends otherwise. Diabetes can damage retinal blood vessels silently, so even if vision seems normal, regular exams are critical.

Individuals with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should consider eye exams every 1 to 2 years, or sooner if their blood pressure is not well controlled. Hypertension can cause retinal changes, blood vessel damage or hemorrhages that may go unnoticed without proper monitoring. Similarly, those with a family history of retinal disease should begin screening earlier. For age-related macular degeneration, individuals with an affected first-degree relative should start exams in their 40s and continue annually. Inherited retinal dystrophies, such as retinitis pigmentosa, often require genetic counseling alongside ophthalmologic monitoring, with frequency tailored to the specific mutation and symptom progression.

People with high myopia, typically defined as -6.0 diopters or more, are at greater risk for retinal tears or detachments due to elongation of the eye. Annual retinal exams are recommended to detect early changes. Other comorbidities, including autoimmune diseases, prior eye trauma or a history of eye surgery, may also necessitate personalized monitoring schedules. Your ophthalmologist can create a plan that takes into account your unique medical history, lifestyle and risk factors.

During a retina exam, the ophthalmologist may perform a dilated eye exam to visualize the retina and optic nerve, optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect subtle structural changes and fundus photography or fluorescein angiography if detailed evaluation of blood vessels is necessary. These tests are painless and quick, but they provide critical information that can prevent vision loss before symptoms appear. High-risk patients should maintain personal records of exam dates and findings, report any new symptoms immediately — such as flashes, floaters or sudden vision changes — and maintain overall health by managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you fall into a high-risk category, scheduling regular retina exams is one of the most effective ways to preserve vision. Early detection and proactive monitoring can prevent irreversible damage, and your ophthalmologist can develop a tailored plan based on your age, medical conditions and lifestyle. Protecting your eyes today can make all the difference for maintaining clear, healthy vision for years to come.

Contact Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 or WEBSITE today.