Diabetes and Your Eyes

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Increases in blood glucose levels can be hard on your eyes, and over time this wear and tear can cause significant damage. Damaged blood vessels often begin to bleed, allowing blood to leak over the retina and vitreous (the gel like substance in the centre of your eye). This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.

Like many serious eye problems you may not notice symptoms during the early stages, but as the disease progresses you may start to see dark spots or shadows in your vision, and you may lose some of your ability to see colours. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms please make an appointment with one of our optometrists.

Early detection and treatment is key since diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness if left unchecked. The leading cause of blindness in North Americans under sixty years of age is diabetes. Diabetes also puts you at an increased risk for macular degeneration.

Carefully monitoring and controlling your blood sugar levels is the best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy.

What is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Diabetic macular edema (DME) occurs when diabetic retinopathy is not properly monitored and controlled. Fluid leaks under the macula causing swelling which can lead to macular scarring and blindness.

Diabetic Eye Exams: Your First Line of Defense

Diabetic eye exams differ slightly from the standard comprehensive eye exams we offer. Since patients with diabetes are predisposed to more diseases than patients without diabetes we conduct our diabetic eye exams with an extra level of care and attention.

During the exam we will typically dilate your pupils. This is so we can better see the interior structure of your eye, letting us take a closer look at your lenses, retinas and maculas. We do this so we can better determine if there is any indication of disease or potential for disease.

Our diabetic eye exams also include an additional educational portion which discusses the importance of blood sugar control in relation to eye health.

We care about our patients deeply, and pride ourselves on treating each patient with care and compassion. If you have any questions you want answered, or any concerns you want to address, our eye doctors are happy to assist you. We promise to always give you honest, straightforward answers in an easy to understand format.

What Are My Treatment Options for Diabetic Retinopathy and DME?

Though both diabetic retinopathy and DME are serious conditions a diagnosis does not necessarily mean you will completely lose your sight. Though there is no way to reverse any damage done there are a number of laser and non laser treatment options that can prevent the disease from progressing further.

If you suffer from either diabetic retinopathy or DME and would like to know more about the treatment options available please book an appointment with one of our optometrists today.