Focus on Eye Health - Diabetes and the Eye

Calgary Optometry Centre answers common eye care questions:

$The Auto Refractor is a key part of the eye examination process$

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing eye problems than the general population. Generally, the longer the diabetes has been present, the more likely diabetic eye disease will occur. Many times, resulting in permanent loss of vision. Often, diabetic eye disease will not be noticeable until significant vision loss or eye health changes have occurred. There are no obvious, early symptoms such as eye discomfort, blurred vision or red eyes to alert diabetics to problems. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent vision loss.

What will diabetics notice from diabetic eye disease?

Noticeable symptoms include:

Fluctuating or blurring of vision
Distorted vision
Double vision
Loss of peripheral vision
Floaters and flashes

Your optometrist will monitor any diabetic related vision and eye health related changes. This will allow the optometrist to identify your individual needs, help you to understand your condition and to make specific treatment recommendations.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is the most serious eye problem associated with diabetes, and is one of the leading causes of blindness in North America. Retinopathy happens when the blood vessels that nourish the retina deteriorate from erratic levels of blood sugar, common with diabetics. Deteriorating blood vessels leak, swell or develop abnormalities to cause damage to the retina, resulting in permanent vision loss. All diabetics are at risk for retinopathy, but as mentioned earlier, the risk increases the longer someone is diabetic. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated by a procedure called photocoagulation. While treatment may not improve vision, it can often prevent further vision deterioration.

Detection and Prevention of Diabetic Eye Problems

Eye care is an integral part of the care of diabetes. All diabetics should have regular eye examinations to detect any early stages of ocular diabetes. Our optometrists recommend that all diabetics should have annual vision and eye health examinations. Earlier detection will allow for timely treatment, which will restrict any vision loss. Diabetic prevention also includes a healthy lifestyle, which involves a controlled diet, regular exercise, non-smoking and compliance with diabetic medications.