Protect Your Long-Term Visual Health
Diabetes affects not only blood sugar but also vision. It can significantly impact eye health, leading to complications that may affect vision. Patients with diabetes can be more susceptible to eye diseases, leading to vision loss if left untreated.
At Chestermere Optometry, we offer comprehensive diabetic eye exams to help manage and monitor the effects of diabetes on your eyes.
During your diabetic eye exam, we look for signs of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME), 2 conditions that can develop without early warning signs or symptoms. Do not let diabetes affect your vision—contact us to schedule your appointment today.
Why Diabetic Eye Exams Are Important
Diabetic eye exams are crucial for detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other related conditions. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to issues such as:
Early detection is key to managing these conditions effectively and preventing vision loss. Our thorough exams help us stay on top of any changes in your vision.
Explaining Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which high blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels in the eyes. At the onset of this condition, there may be no symptoms or only temporary episodes of blurry vision. If untreated, it can lead to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy has 2 stages:
- Proliferative: A more severe stage where damaged blood vessels are replaced by weaker ones, which are prone to bleeding, leakage, and potential retinal tears or detachments
- Non-proliferative: The early stage with mild or no symptoms
Explaining Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema (DME) often results from untreated diabetic retinopathy, which can severely affect central vision.
The macula is found at the centre of your retina, and its primary purpose is to provide precise, sharp details in the central vision. When the retina’s tiny blood vessels suffer continuous damage, it can build fluid in the macula, resulting in diabetic macular edema.
DME can develop gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms initially, but as the condition progresses, it can significantly impair your ability to perform everyday tasks.
What to Expect During Your Diabetic Eye Exam
We start with a detailed eye exam to check the health of your eyes and evaluate how diabetes may be affecting them. From there, there are different steps, including:
- Discussion of results: We will review the findings with you and discuss any necessary treatment plans or lifestyle adjustments to manage your eye health.
- Dilated eye exam: Using specialized drops, we dilate your pupils to get a better view of the retina and optic nerve. This allows us to detect any abnormalities that may be related to diabetes.
- Retinal imaging: Our imaging technology captures detailed images of the retina, helping us monitor any changes over time.
Working Together for Healthier Vision
Being diagnosed with diabetic eye disease can be frightening and life-changing, but there are ways to treat and manage these conditions if they are addressed early.
Photocoagulation is an option for targeting and sealing weak blood vessels caused by diabetic retinopathy. This treatment can prevent more fluid from leaking into the eye, helping the patient retain as much sight as possible. You can speak to our team about different treatment options for DME, including laser therapy and anti-VEGF injections.
Managing Your Eye Health with Diabetic Eye Exams
Regular diabetic eye exams are vital to managing overall health. We recommend scheduling these exams at least once a year or as recommended by our team.
By staying proactive, you can help protect your vision—contact us to schedule your appointment today.
Quality Eye Care Services
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Find Us Here
We are located in Chestermere Station near the Safeway. There is plenty of parking outside the clinic.
Contact Information
- Phone: 403-229-2020
- Fax: 403-229-2032
- Email: [email protected]
Our Address
- 110–175 Chestermere Station Way
- Chestermere, AB T1X 0A4
Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Enhancing Eye Care with Innovative Technology
We are always seeking ways to help enhance your patient experience and care levels. Our commitment to innovative technology has led us to introduce 3 new diagnostic technologies:
- Optos Monaco can capture detailed digital retina images in one scan, aiding in the early detection of potential eye conditions.
- Olleyes VR Virtual Field uses immersive technology for peripheral vision evaluation.
- Huvitz HTR is an efficient 4-in-1 device that combines refraction, corneal curvature and thickness, eye pressure, and meibomian gland imaging (dry eye assessment).
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Eye Exams
Specialty Eye Care
Find Us Here
- 110–175 Chestermere Station Way
- Chestermere, AB T1X 0A4
- Phone: 403-229-2020
- Fax: 403-229-2032
- Email: [email protected]