Diabetic Eye Exams
What you need to know about diabetic eye exams
Diabetic Eye Exams 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 a diabetic eye exam is important. If you are planning to get your eyes examined, choose Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. Our team is dedicated to offering quality services to bring back your healthy vision. We also specialize in general exams and pediatric exams.
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:
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Blurred vision
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Frequently changing vision
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Poor colour vision
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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.
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.
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.
Cataracts
People suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop cloudy lenses called cataracts.
Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams
Getting timely diabetic eye examinations done can help your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Process of Examination
Our optometrists may apply drops in your eyes to widen your pupil, allowing the examination of a larger area at the back of each eye. Your vision will be blurry for a few hours after a dilated exam.
When to Get an Eye Exam?
If you are suffering from:
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 and Pregnancy
Pregnant women with diabetes must undergo an eye exam in the first three months and for a year post-delivery.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can vision loss caused by diabetes be prevented?
Yes. Our team of optometrists can diagnose potential vision-threatening changes in your eye which may be treated to prevent blindness. Once the damage has occurred, the effects are permanent.
What factors can lead to diabetic retinopathy?
Some of the factors which increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy include smoking, drinking alcohol and high blood pressure.
How can diabetes-related eye problems be prevented?
Regular monitoring and controlling your diabetes levels can be helpful. You must go for a timely eye examination thereafter.
Contact Us Today
If you are looking for diabetic eye exam clinics in Edmonton, give us a call today.
