Diabetic Eye Exams | Seaton Vision Care

Protect Your Vision From Diabetic Complications

Recent studies suggest that 1 in 3 Canadians lives with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Diabetes can impact your overall health and your vision along with it.

Many people are aware of how diabetes impacts overall health but don’t always consider its ocular impacts—diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing vision problems. We recommend that kids and adults with diabetes have annual, comprehensive eye exams. Taking a proactive approach to health is important, especially if you’re dealing with diabetes.

Book your diabetic eye appointment today, and let us help you preserve your sight!

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What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that impacts the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates your body’s blood sugar levels.

When you eat, most of your food is broken down into glucose (sugar) and travels through the bloodstream. An increase in the amount of sugar in the bloodstream signals the pancreas to release insulin, which in turn lets the sugar into your cells. If you have diabetes, your body either does not make insulin or doesn’t use it properly.

Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to various health issues, including vision problems. Even if you don’t notice any change in your vision, it’s still important to have your eyes examined regularly. Book your appointment today.

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How Does Diabetes Affect Vision?

Diabetes can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness, so it’s important to book an annual eye exam to check for any changes.

Visual issues caused by diabetes may include conditions like blurry vision, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema.

Blurry Vision

Your body adjusting to diabetes medication or changes in your health routine can lead to blurry vision and lens swelling.

Fluctuating sugar levels can lead to earlier cataract development and changes in your prescription, which can lead to blurry vision. Some of these changes can be temporary, while others are permanent.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. The blood vessels in your retina become leaky over time, which can lead to bleeding in the eyes.

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there may actually be no symptoms. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is important to improve the prognosis. As the condition progresses, it can lead to increased bleeding in the eye and increase the risk of irreversible loss of vision.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema occurs when the macula swells. The macula is responsible for your central vision, so impairment can impact the ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces. This condition is quite serious and can lead to blindness.

Elevated blood sugar can lead to a buildup of fluid in the eyes and cause retinal swelling. Normally, the extra fluid is temporary, and your eyes will return to normal as your blood sugar stabilizes. But you should still visit your optometrist to rule out more serious issues.

Early detection and a prompt referral to a retinal specialist for treatment are necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Book Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today!

If you have diabetes, getting your eyes examined regularly can help protect your sight. Close examination of the retina can help to detect any early signs of serious vision problems. Book regular diabetic eye exams to protect your family’s eye health.

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Our Location

Visit our practice near the Duffin Heights neighbourhood in north Pickering. You can find us in the Seaton Centre, the shopping center off Brock Road and Palmers Sawmill Road.