Visit Us For Diabetic Eye Exams | Chestermere Optometry

Protect Your Vision from Diabetes

Diabetes is a common condition affecting how the body processes glucose. Complications from diabetes can have a significant impact on a patient’s vision. Patients with diabetes can be more susceptible to eye diseases, leading to vision loss if left untreated.

At Chestermere Optometry, our diabetic eye exams consist of a standard comprehensive eye exam, plus an additional in-depth assessment for diabetes-specific diseases.

During your diabetic eye exam, your optometrist searches for signs of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME), 2 conditions that can develop without early warning signs or symptoms.

Diabetic retinopathy and DME can cause permanent vision loss; early diagnosis and treatment can save a patient’s eyesight.

Contact us today for more details about diabetic eye exams.

Book Your Appointment

Explaining Diabetic Retinopathy

So, what exactly is diabetic retinopathy?

High glucose levels in the blood can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. When this occurs, it is called diabetic retinopathy.

At the onset of this condition, a patient may experience no warning signs, or only temporary episodes of blurry vision. As the disease progresses, it may result in blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy may be non-proliferative or proliferative.

Non-proliferative: Non-proliferative occurs in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, when symptoms are non-existent, mild or moderate.
Proliferative: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is more severe. It occurs when the retina’s blood vessels die, and weaker vessels grow in their place.

These new blood vessels are prone to bleeding and leakage, leading to the possibility of hemorrhages, tears, or detachments.

Explaining DME

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).

Diabetic macular edema often results from untreated diabetic retinopathy, which can severely affect central vision.

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.

Speak to your optometrist about treatment options for DME, including laser therapy and anti-VEGF injections.

Chestermere Optometry is dedicated to protecting your vision from diabetic complications. We aim to diagnose and treat eye conditions in the earliest possible stages to ensure optimal visual health.

Contact us today for more information.