Diabetic Retinopathy in Edmonton

Diabetes is a serious disease that can affect your heart, nerves and kidneys, but did you know that having diabetes can also affect your vision? Fortunately, the optometrists at Optometrists Clinic Inc. in Edmonton can perform a comprehensive eye exam to detect and treat various eye conditions and diseases, like diabetic retinopathy, before they become serious. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high and/or variable blood sugar due to diabetes. It affects the blood vessels and nerve tissue in the retina — the part of your eye that detects light. If left untreated, it can cause vision loss and blindness.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have diabetes and the less control you have over your blood sugar, the more likely you are to develop this eye complication. Moreover, developing diabetes when pregnant (gestational diabetes) can increase your risk of diabetic retinopathy.

The Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Most people don’t experience any symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. However, as the condition progresses and the blood vessels in the retina start to bleed, you may experience the following:

Sudden or gradual vision loss

Spots in your field of vision

Blurred or patchy vision

Difficulty seeing in the dark

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

Medications called anti-VEGF drugs, which are injected directly into the eye, can slow down or reverse diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatments can also reduce swelling in the retina by sealing off and shrinking leaking blood vessels.

Furthermore, diabetic retinopathy sometimes requires a surgery called a vitrectomy. This procedure involves removing vitreous gel and blood from leaking blood vessels in the back of the eye, allowing light to reach the retina.

However, the best way to lower your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy is by keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. You can do this by engaging in regular physical activity, eating healthy and adhering closely to your doctor’s recommendations.

The Importance of a Regular Diabetic Eye Exam

As mentioned above, early eye damage caused by diabetic retinopathy can occur without any outward symptoms. Therefore, if you have diabetes, it’s important to schedule a regular diabetic eye exam with an optometrist to ensure any changes are detected early.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Edmonton

At Optometrists Clinic Inc, we care about your eye health. That’s why we offer eye exams for people of all ages and carry a wide range of eyeglasses and contact lenses to suit your particular vision needs. We’re happy to serve you from five locations in Edmonton, Westlock and Leduc. Contact us today to set up an appointment.