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
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
Cataracts
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.
Glaucoma
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
- Phone: 604.859.9225
- Fax: 1-866-884-6887
- Email: [email protected]
- 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
- Phone: 604.846.3130
- Fax: 1-866-846-9371
- Email: [email protected]
- Monday: Closed
- 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 Brands
Our Blog
What is an OCT Scan?
Eye HealthOCT ScanIn the realm of eye care, technological advancements have significantly enhanced our ability to diagnose and manage various ocular conditions. One such innovation is the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan, a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the eye’s internal structures. Optical Coherence Tomography is best compared to an ultrasound, except it […]
Is Virtual Reality (VR) Bad for Your Eyes?
Digital Eye StrainEye HealthVirtual reality headsets don’t cause direct damage to your eyes, though they can cause eye fatigue and other symptoms if not used in moderation, and young children may be more susceptible. […]
How to Tell if a Contact Lens Is Still in Your Eye
Eye HealthYou can tell if your lens is still in your eye by looking for the tint on the edge of your lens. If your lens is stuck in your eye, other signs it’s still there include redness and eye irritation. […]
What is an OCT Scan?
In the realm of eye care, technological advancements have significantly enhanced our ability to diagnose and manage various ocular conditions. One such innovation is the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan, a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the eye’s internal structures. Optical Coherence Tomography is best compared to an ultrasound, except it […]
Is Virtual Reality (VR) Bad for Your Eyes?
Virtual reality headsets don’t cause direct damage to your eyes, though they can cause eye fatigue and other symptoms if not used in moderation, and young children may be more susceptible. […]
How to Tell if a Contact Lens Is Still in Your Eye
You can tell if your lens is still in your eye by looking for the tint on the edge of your lens. If your lens is stuck in your eye, other signs it’s still there include redness and eye irritation. […]