Many individuals with diabetes don’t realize that this systemic condition can affect both their eye health and their vision. To help ensure diabetic eyes get the extra care and attention they need, we offer eye exams specifically tailored to their needs.
We also approach diabetic eye care holistically and can help patients monitor their diabetes diagnosis and explain how it can affect their vision and eye health.
Some patients may not experience any problems with their eyesight after a diabetes diagnosis, but this doesn’t mean your eyes aren’t susceptible to eye disease. Annual eye exams allow your optometrist to monitor the overall health of your eyes and test for serious conditions such as:
Patients with diabetes are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts as they age. Cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy and opaque, obscuring vision. They can only be corrected using cataract surgery.
Patients with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop open-angle glaucoma than patients without diabetes. If left undiagnosed and untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak blood and other fluids. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness.
To help ensure diabetic eyes get the care and attention they need, we use a variety of specialized instruments, including:
After a diabetes diagnosis, you should have your eyes examined on an annual basis, even if your blood sugar levels are carefully managed and you aren’t experiencing any other health problems. Many serious eye conditions don’t exhibit symptoms until your vision has already begun to deteriorate. Regular eye exams allow your optometric team to address potential problems as soon as possible.
Are you due for a diabetic eye exam? Take a proactive approach to your eye health and book your next diabetic eye exam today.
Our building can be found across the street from Staples and PetSmart, and offers plenty of parking spaces for all of our customers.
Richmond Hill Optometric Clinic
