Diabetic Eye Exams in Edmonton
Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people suffering from diabetes. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada and people having it develop cataract at a young age. This is why diabetic eye exams are important!
Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease
Often, there are no early signs of diabetic eye disease. You might not experience any pain or change in your vision as damage occurs inside your eyes with diabetic retinopathy. Some of the symptoms that are evident include:
- Blurred vision
- Frequently changing vision
- Poor colour vision
- Flashes of light
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Diabetes can affect your eyes when your blood glucose is too high. This can change fluid levels or cause swelling in the tissues of your eyes and if this sustains for long, it can damage the blood vessels in the back of your eyes. Some diabetic eye diseases include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: The retina is the inner lining at the back of your eyes. Damaged blood vessels can harm the retina causing diabetic retinopathy. In the early stages of this disease, the blood vessels weaken, bulge or leak into the retina. If the disease gets worse, some blood vessels close off causing new ones to grow on the surface of the retina.
- Cataracts: People suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop cloudy lenses called cataracts.
- Glaucoma: It is a group of diseases which can damage the optic nerve. Diabetes can increase the chances of having glaucoma, leading to vision loss and blindness, if not treated on time.
- Diabetic Macular Edema: Macula is the part of your retina used for reading, driving and seeing. Diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula causing diabetic macular edema.
When Should You Get an Eye Exam?
If you are planning to get your eyes examined, choose Optometrists’ Clinic Inc in Edmonton. Our team is dedicated to offering quality services to bring back your healthy vision. We also specialize in general exams and pediatric exams!
Type 1 Diabetes
Adults having Type 1 Diabetes need to have a dilated eye exam within five years of being diagnosed and every year after that.
Type 2 Diabetes
Adults who are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes will have some eye problems.
Diabetes & Pregnancy
Adults who are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes will have some eye problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vision Loss Caused by Diabetes Be Prevented?
Yes, diabetic vision loss can often be prevented with early detection and proper management. Our Edmonton optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to detect even the earliest signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other diabetes-related eye conditions. If caught early, many complications can be treated or managed to prevent permanent damage and blindness. However, once the damage has occurred, the effects are typically irreversible.
Regular diabetic eye exams are your best defense against vision-threatening complications.
What Factors Increase the Risk of Developing Diabetic Retinopathy?
Several lifestyle and health factors can increase your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, including:
- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High cholesterol levels
- A long history of diabetes
By maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and taking care to book diabetic eye exams, you can reduce your risk of diabetes-related vision problems!
How Can Diabetes-Related Eye Problems Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent diabetes-related vision loss is through consistent diabetes management and routine eye exams. To protect your eyes:
- Control blood sugar levels – High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy.
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol – High blood pressure and cholesterol increase your risk of vision loss.
- Quit smoking – Smoking accelerates retinal damage and can worsen diabetes-related eye diseases.
- Have annual eye exams – A dilated eye exam allows your Edmonton optometrist to check for early signs of damage before symptoms appear.
If you have diabetes, regular eye check-ups are crucial to catching problems early and preserving your sight.
How Often Should Someone with Diabetes Get an Eye Exam?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that people with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. However, your Edmonton optometrist may recommend more frequent check-ups depending on:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Whether you have early signs of diabetic retinopathy
- Your overall eye health and risk factors
If you experience blurred vision, floaters, difficulty seeing at night, or sudden vision changes, don’t wait for your next scheduled exam—book an appointment immediately to prevent further complications!
Learn More About Diabetes & Your Vision
Protecting Your Vision: Managing the Impact of Diabetes on Eye Health
Diabetes is a silent threat to vision that affects millions worldwide, and the consequences can be severe. At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc, we know the profound
Health Issues That an Eye Exam Can Detect
When most people think about eye exams, they envision a routine check for eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, you may not realize that an eye
6 Factors That Put You at Higher Risk for Eye Diseases and Vision Problems
Your eyes are incredibly important but, unfortunately, are also vulnerable to various diseases and vision problems. Certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing
Book your eye exam with The Optometrists' Clinic today!
We invite you to get in touch, so that we can support you & give you the tools and knowledge you need to care for or improve your vision!
