The Connection Between Diabetes and Vision Health
Living with diabetes requires careful monitoring of many aspects of health, including vision. Elevated blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This condition often develops silently, showing no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we emphasize prevention through routine eye exams. Annual diabetic retinal exams allow our optometrists to track changes over time and intervene before vision is affected. Early detection is the best protection against vision loss.
What Is a Diabetic Retinal Exam?
A diabetic retinal exam is a comprehensive eye test focused on evaluating the health of the retina. During the exam, our optometrists:
- Dilate the pupils to view the back of the eye
- Use retinal imaging to capture detailed photos of the retina
- Check for leaking or abnormal blood vessels
- Assess for swelling of the macula, which can affect central vision
These steps allow us to identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or other diabetes-related eye complications.
Why Annual Checkups Are Essential
Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. Because it often progresses without symptoms, annual exams are crucial for all patients with diabetes, regardless of how well blood sugar is controlled. Regular monitoring helps us detect even subtle changes, allowing for timely treatment or referral to a retinal specialist if needed.
Alberta Health Coverage for Diabetic Exams
In Alberta, diabetic retinal exams are fully covered by Alberta Health Care. This ensures patients have access to vital preventative care without financial barriers. At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we encourage all diabetic patients in Calgary to take advantage of this coverage and prioritize their vision health.
Protecting Your Sight Through Prevention
In addition to annual exams, managing diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices, including blood sugar control, diet, and exercise, plays an important role in protecting eye health. Regular communication between your optometrist, family doctor, and specialists helps ensure a complete approach to care.
Book Your Diabetic Retinal Exam in Calgary
If you have diabetes, annual eye exams are essential to protecting your sight. At Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary, we provide thorough diabetic retinal exams to detect issues early and safeguard long-term vision. Contact us today to schedule your exam and take the first step toward preserving your eye health.
FAQs
Q: What is a diabetic retinal exam?
A: A diabetic retinal exam is a detailed eye exam that checks the retina for damage caused by diabetes, including retinopathy and macular edema.
Q: Why do people with diabetes need annual eye exams?
A: Diabetic retinopathy can develop without symptoms. Annual exams catch early changes before vision is permanently affected. Contact Sunridge Eye Clinic today to book a consultation and put your worries to rest.
Q: What happens during the exam?
A: The optometrist dilates your pupils, examines the retina, and may use retinal imaging to detect abnormal blood vessels or swelling.
