Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss, yet many people don’t realize the risks it poses to their eye health. “About one in five people with type 2 diabetes already show signs of eye problems by the time they’re diagnosed,” says Dr. Surjot Singh, Macleod Optometry’s in-house optometrist. “It’s why people need to get an eye exam for diabetes routinely.”
Getting a comprehensive eye exam right after your diagnosis is essential for catching issues early and preventing further damage. Regular screenings are equally important, as many diabetes-related eye conditions can progress silently, without any noticeable symptoms, until it’s too late.
Learn about the connection between diabetes and eye health, why diabetic eye exams are crucial, and how often you should be getting them to safeguard your vision.
What Risks Does Diabetes Pose to Vision and Eye Health?
Diabetes can have a serious impact on your eyes, especially if your blood sugar levels are not well managed over time. In fact, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common eye disease caused by diabetes, affecting about 500,000 Canadians.
High blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary culprit. While short-term fluctuations in glucose levels may only cause temporary blurry vision, long-term elevated glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes.
Initially, high blood sugar may cause minor, temporary changes in the eyes, such as fluid imbalances and swelling that result in blurred vision. This type of blurry vision often resolves as blood sugar levels return to normal.
However, if high glucose levels persist, the damage becomes more serious, affecting the blood vessels in the back of your eye.
Several eye conditions are linked to diabetes, including:
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common and dangerous eye disease caused by diabetes. It occurs when the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye—become damaged.
In the early stages, known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels weaken and leak fluid into the retina.
As the disease progresses to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, new, fragile blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These can bleed and scar, potentially leading to serious vision loss.
2. Diabetic Macular Edema
The macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision, can swell due to diabetic macular edema.
The condition often develops in people who already have signs of diabetic retinopathy and can result in partial vision loss or even blindness.
3. Glaucoma
Diabetes doubles the risk of developing glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, the crucial connection between your eyes and brain.
Without early treatment, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness.
4. Cataracts
Cataracts cause the normally clear lenses in your eyes to become cloudy, impairing your ability to see.
While cataracts can develop as part of the aging process, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing them at a younger age, likely due to the effects of prolonged high glucose levels.
Why You Need to Get Routine Eye Exams for Diabetes
Diabetic eye conditions, like diabetic retinopathy, can progress silently without any noticeable symptoms, but early detection can prevent severe and irreversible vision loss.
One of the key reasons for eye exams is to catch damage to the blood vessels in the eye before it leads to serious complications.
Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes
When you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, it’s critical to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. This first check-up will reveal whether you have any early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other related conditions.
The results will guide your eye doctor in planning regular follow-up screenings, helping to monitor and manage your eye health.
Skipping or delaying this initial screening can result in preventable vision loss, as symptoms may not appear until the damage has already advanced.
Protecting Your Vision Over Time
Even if your eyesight seems fine, don’t assume your eyes are in the clear.
Diabetic retinopathy often doesn’t show any signs in its early stages, which is why regular exams are so important. As the condition progresses, untreated diabetic eye disease (DED) can severely limit your ability to perform daily activities.
71% of people with DED report days when their physical or mental health impairs their regular activities.
Getting routine eye exams is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your vision. A diabetes eye exam clinic near you can help identify these conditions early on, allowing you to take corrective steps before the condition progresses.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam if You Have Diabetes?
Source: DR Barometer
A comprehensive eye exam every year is what you should aim for. Regular check-ups at a diabetes eye exam clinic. The professionals there will understand the specific risks associated with diabetes are necessary to catch potential problems early.
Frequency of Eye Exam: Type 1 Diabetes
For adults with type 1 diabetes, the recommendation is to get a dilated eye exam within five years of your diagnosis. After that, annual eye exams are advised to monitor for any changes.
Frequency of Eye Exam: Type 2 Diabetes
About one in five people with type 2 diabetes already have some level of eye damage at the time of diagnosis.
For those with type 2 diabetes, it’s important to have an eye exam right after your diagnosis.
After this initial check-up, yearly eye exams are recommended. In some cases, if your initial results show no issues, your eye doctor may suggest extending the time between exams to every two or three years.
Frequency of Eye Exam: Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)
Pregnant women with diabetes need to take extra care of their eye health. You should get an eye exam during your first trimester, as pregnancy can affect your vision and increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
A follow-up exam is also recommended one year after giving birth.
How Much Does an Eye Exam for Diabetes Cost?
If you have diabetes, the cost of an eye exam may be covered by your provincial health plan or through your personal or workplace insurance.
In Alberta, the diabetic eye health exam is covered under Alberta Health Care for individuals of all ages.
When booking your appointment, make sure to mention that you are looking to schedule a “diabetes eye health exam,” which is a specific part of the regular eye exam focused on detecting diabetic-related eye issues.
Some optometry services are covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). While not all services are available outside Alberta, children 18 and under, as well as seniors 65 and older, are eligible for one complete eye exam, one partial exam, and one diagnostic procedure per benefit year (July 1 to June 30).
It’s essential to have a diabetes eye health exam at least once a year, or more frequently if your optometrist or ophthalmologist recommends it.
If you notice any changes in your vision, don’t wait for your next scheduled exam—book an appointment as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today
Diabetes can very really impact your vision and quality of life. You need a diabetes eye exam clinic near you that doesn’t just examine your eyes, but provides education on how you can protect your vision. it’s why people across the city turn to us.
Schedule your diabetes eye exam today. Our professionals don’t just assess your eyes, we empower you to take better care of you’re vision, too.