Can a normal yearly eye exam tell you if you have diabetic retinopathy? the dr took pictures of my eyes and other tests but nothing was said about it.

Pre DM2 & retinopath: Couple of great factors to your advantage are your age and that you are not a diabetic. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. My understanding is that you are a pre diabetic. In my opinion you should focus on methods to prevent diabetes such as exercise and nutritional changes. However, is great that you know couple of complications from dmii.

Ask the doctor: Most young diabetics will take at least 5 years before the diabetes can affect the retina- the light sensitive eye that is most commonly involved. Adult onset diabetics usually already have some form of eye disease at diagnosis. The chance of retinopathy is dependent on duration of disease, the amount of control of blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol and other co-existing diseases.

Yes : There are a variety of retinal findings that can develop with diabetes. It is why diabetic eye exams are covered, where as person without diabetes don't have medical coverage for routine eye exams.