What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when chronically elevated blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. These vessels can leak, swell, or grow abnormally, progressively impairing retinal function. In advanced stages, new fragile blood vessels grow across the retina causing severe vision loss or complete blindness.
The most dangerous aspect of diabetic retinopathy is that it produces no pain and often no noticeable vision changes until it is in an advanced stage. Regular screening is the only reliable protective measure. Eyes On Optometry provides specialized diabetic eye exams in Edmonton using dilated retinal examination and advanced imaging.
Other Eye Conditions Accelerated by Diabetes
- Diabetic macular edema: Fluid leakage into the macula, the central retinal region responsible for sharp detail vision. This is the leading cause of vision impairment in diabetic patients.
- Cataracts: Diabetics develop cataracts at a significantly younger age and with greater severity. See our cataract assessment service for more information.
- Glaucoma: Diabetes roughly doubles the risk of developing glaucoma. Elevated blood sugar affects intraocular fluid dynamics.
- Fluctuating vision: Blood sugar levels directly affect the focusing power of the crystalline lens. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes often notice their prescription changes between appointments.
What Does a Diabetic Eye Exam in Edmonton Include?
- Dilated fundus examination: Dilating drops widen the pupil to allow a full view of the peripheral retina where early retinopathy changes first appear. This step is essential.
- Retinal photography: Wide-field retinal photos document the current state of the retinal vasculature. These images are compared year over year to track any changes.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Produces a cross-sectional image of the macula, detecting early macular edema not visible on surface retinal photography.
- Intraocular pressure measurement: To screen for glaucoma given the elevated risk in diabetic patients.
- Documentation for your GP or endocrinologist: We provide a report to your primary care physician so your eye health status is integrated into your overall diabetes management.
How Often Should Diabetics Have an Eye Exam?
- Annual comprehensive dilated eye exam for all patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- More frequent visits (every 3 to 6 months) if any retinopathy has been detected
- An exam within the first year of a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, or at the time of a Type 2 diagnosis
Diabetic eye exams for qualifying patients are covered under AHCIP. See our guide on Alberta eye exam coverage in Edmonton for full details.
What Happens If Retinopathy Is Detected?
Early-stage diabetic retinopathy is monitored closely and managed through optimizing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control. More advanced stages are treated with laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF injections, or surgery administered by a retinal specialist. Early detection through annual screening is what makes less invasive treatment options available.
Book Your Diabetic Eye Exam in Edmonton
If you have diabetes and have not had a dilated eye exam in the past year, book one now. Contact us to book your diabetic eye exam in Edmonton today.
If you are experiencing any visual symptoms between your regular appointments, review our list of 10 signs you need to see an eye doctor near you in Edmonton to assess whether you should come in sooner.