Advanced Care For Diabetic Eyes
We work closely with our 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
Our Address
- 1215 Sumas Way, Unit 200
- Abbotsford, BC V2S 8H2
Contact Us
- Phone: 604.859.9225
- Email: [email protected]
Clinic Hours
- 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
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Chilliwack
- 8-45540 Market Way
- Chilliwack, BC V2R 0M5
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P: 604.846.3130
[email protected]
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Abbotsford
- 1215 Sumas Way, Unit 200
- Abbotsford, BC V2S 8H2
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P: 604.859.9225
[email protected]