Diabetes affects the whole body, and the eyes are no exception. Increased blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels on the retina, causing blood and fluid to leak into the layers of the retina in the back of the eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy, one of the most common diabetes-related eye conditions. In addition, an elevated blood sugar level can increase the risk of several other eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
In some cases, diabetic retinopathy can also develop into diabetic macular edema (DME). This is when blood vessels in the macula (the central area of the retina, controlling fine detailed vision) leak fluid, causing blurred vision and vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy can develop slowly, in some cases without symptoms in the early stages. If you have diabetes, we recommend no more than a year between each exam, and after your first visit with us we’ll recommend the best time for your next follow-up.
Diabetic retinopathy doesn’t always present noticeable symptoms during its early stages. We therefore use several important tests to allow for early diagnosis and monitoring:
If you have diabetes, we recommend having your eyes examined at least once a year so we can detect any signs of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema early.
We’re at the corner of Bath Road and Speers Boulevard, in Heritage Square Plaza.
Saturdays are open on alternate weeks. Please call to confirm.
Amherstview Eyecare
