Diabetic Eye Exams: Preventing Vision Loss
According to Diabetes Canada, currently, one in three Canadians has diabetes or prediabetes. Furthermore, previous research shows that those 20 years of age today face a 50 percent chance of developing diabetes in their lifetime. Diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and vision loss and impact overall health. Regular diabetic eye exams are essential because to manage diabetes and prevent irreversible vision loss. Schedule a diabetic eye exam with us today and see how and why our eye exams are one of the most thorough, comprehensive, advanced and personalized available.
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Eye-deology Vision Care
Diabetes: How It Impacts Vision
Diabetes is a disease that affects many areas of the body, including your eyes. In terms of ocular health, diabetes increases the risk of developing several eye diseases and conditions. These include glaucoma and cataracts, as well the risk of vision loss. The foremost eye health concern for individuals with diabetes is the development of diabetic retinopathy – a condition where the growth of new blood vessels can cause irreversible vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can affect people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you live with diabetes, the more likely you are to develop complications like diabetic retinopathy. That is why adopting lifestyle changes, learning to manage diabetes, and regular health exams are important.
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Eye-deology Vision Care
Diabetic Retinopathy: What Is It & How Does It Impact Vision?
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (i.e., retina). This damage occurs when chronically high blood sugar levels begin to clog or damage blood vessels within the eye’s retina that contains light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) necessary for good vision. In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, blood vessel damage causes the retina to swell and form deposits. In later stages, leakage from blood vessels into the eye’s clear, jelly-like vitreous can cause severe vision problems and may eventually lead to vision loss.
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Normal Eye Vs. Eye With Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye-deology Vision Care
Diabetic Retinopathy: Signs and Symptoms
Like many eye diseases and conditions, diabetic retinopathy can produce no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, over time, the once mild conditions can worsen and lead to partial and complete blindness. You should visit an optometrist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Floaters, or darks dots and strings, in your field of vision;
- Dark or empty areas in your field of vision;
- Blurry vision;
- Difficulty focusing;
- Vision that seems to fluctuate;
- Changed colour vision; or
- Partial to total vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes similarly.
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Eye-deology Vision Care
Regular Eye Exams: Ensure Early Detection & Treatment
The best way to manage eye problems related to diabetes is through early detection of retinal abnormalities, regular monitoring, and prompt treatment. Early detection and treatment typically begin with a dilated retinal eye exam.
eye-deology Vision Care uses digital retinal imaging and retinal visualization technologies like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). These technologies are critically importantant for the early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases. They enable our optometrists to see more so that you may never see less.
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Our Edmonton Optometrists
Dr. Jennifer Ash, OD
Dr. Jennifer Ash is the Resident Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Ash provides patient care 5 days a week. Read more about Dr. Ash.
Dr. Sarah Virji, OD
Dr. Sarah Virji is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Virji regularly provides patient care Thursdays and Saturdays. Read more about Dr. Virji.
Dr. Ruhee Kurji, OD
Dr. Ruhee Kurji is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Kurji provides patient care Tuesdays & Fridays. Read more about Dr. Kurji.
Dr. Jade McLachlin, OD
Dr. Jade McLachlin is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. McLachlin provides patient care 5 days a week. Read more about Dr. McLachlin.