Discover Eyecare

Diabetic Eye Exams in Abbotsford & Chilliwack

Book Appointment

Advanced Care For Diabetic Eyes

Our eye doctors work closely with patients living with diabetes to support their whole health, including monitoring the progression of any ocular diseases, and helping them make a plan to have healthy vision for a lifetime.

Diabetic eye exams are considered medically necessary and are partially covered by MSP. Book your comprehensive eye exam today.

When Should Someone With Diabetes Have An Eye Exam?

Patients with diabetes should have an eye exam at least once a year, though we may recommend a different schedule based on your particular needs. 

Your eyes really are a window into your health when it comes to diabetes. An eye exam can reveal issues with your current diabetes management strategy and indicate it’s time to change your lifestyle or treatment.

Understanding Diabetes & Your Eyes

High blood sugar, especially if it’s not managed over time, can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, just as it can damage blood vessels elsewhere in your body. 

Managing your blood sugar is a very important part of protecting your vision when you have diabetes. People with diabetes are at risk of several eye diseases and conditions.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a severe potential complication from diabetes caused by damage to the retina’s blood vessels. It can develop without showing symptoms initially, which is why an eye exam is important.

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, symptoms can include:

  • Dark spots floating in your vision
  • Blurry or fluctuating vision
  • Changes to your colour vision
  • Vision loss

If we diagnose diabetic retinopathy in your eyes, we’ll work with you to find a ophthalmologist and coordinate your referral for more advanced care.

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetes that occurs when fluid builds up in the macula, which is responsible for your central vision.

It can begin to develop without noticeable symptoms, so regular eye exams are key to detect it early when treatment is simpler. Later symptoms can include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Double vision
  • Muted colour vision

New floaters

People with diabetes have a 60% greater chance of developing cataracts than the general population.

You may be able to reduce your risk by managing your blood sugar, eating a healthy diet, wearing UV protection sunglasses outdoors, and quitting smoking.

People with diabetes have about twice the risk of glaucoma than their non-diabetic peers. You can reduce your risk of losing vision to glaucoma by getting regular eye exams. 

The most common type of glaucoma is caused by high pressure in the eye. This can often be managed early on with special eye drops.

Protect Your Vision For Life

We’d love to be part of your comprehensive diabetes care. Book your appointment for an eye exam today.

Come See Us

Abbotsford Location

  • 1215 Sumas Way, Unit 200
  • Abbotsford, BC V2S 8H2
  • Monday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:15 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Chilliwack Location

  • 8-45540 Market Way
  • Chilliwack, BC V2R 0M5
  • Monday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:15 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

New!

Our Blog

How to Unclog Meibomian Glands

Dry Eye

You wake up with gritty, burning eyes that feel like sand is stuck under your eyelids. Your vision blurs when you blink, and by afternoon, your eyes look red and irritated. These uncomfortable symptoms often point to clogged meibomian glands. Tiny oil producers along your eyelid edges that keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. […]

Read More…

November 28, 2025
Dr. Jonathan Laudadio

What Causes Dry Eyes with Contacts?

Dry Eye

If you wear contact lenses and experience dry, irritated eyes throughout the day, you’re not alone. Many contact lens wearers struggle with dryness that can make their lenses uncomfortable or even unwearable. At Discover Eyecare, we see patients daily who face this challenge, and understanding the causes is the first step toward finding the right […]

Read More…

November 28, 2025
Dr. Jonathan Laudadio

Wet vs. Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Eye Disease

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects millions of people worldwide, and you might wonder about the different types if you or a loved one has received this diagnosis. Wet and dry AMD are two distinct forms of the same condition, with dry AMD progressing slowly over years while wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss within […]

Read More…

November 28, 2025
Dr. Jonathan Laudadio
A person experiencing eye discomfort, which is a common symptom of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction—especially during long hours of screen use.

You wake up with gritty, burning eyes that feel like sand is stuck under your eyelids. Your vision blurs when you blink, and by afternoon, your eyes look red and irritated. These uncomfortable symptoms often point to clogged meibomian glands. Tiny oil producers along your eyelid edges that keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. […]

Read More…

If you wear contact lenses and experience dry, irritated eyes throughout the day, you’re not alone. Many contact lens wearers struggle with dryness that can make their lenses uncomfortable or even unwearable. At Discover Eyecare, we see patients daily who face this challenge, and understanding the causes is the first step toward finding the right […]

Read More…

Diagram showing how vision changes with macular degeneration, progressing from normal vision to early-stage blurriness and advanced central vision loss.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects millions of people worldwide, and you might wonder about the different types if you or a loved one has received this diagnosis. Wet and dry AMD are two distinct forms of the same condition, with dry AMD progressing slowly over years while wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss within […]

Read More…

Check us out on Instagram

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax