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.
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.
Elevated blood sugar can lead to a buildup of fluid in the eyes and cause the eye’s lens to swell. 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.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. The blood vessels in your retina swell as blood sugar levels elevate.
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, blurry vision is a common symptom. As the condition progresses, it gets more serious. Blood vessels break and bleed, leaking into the macula and causing vision loss.
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.
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.
Request AppointmentVisit Our Location
Find us on the corner of Douglas and Alpha, just north of the Mayfair Shopping Centre.
Our Address
- 3196 Douglas Street
- Victoria, BC V8Z 3K6
Contact Information
- Phone: 250-361-4444
- Fax: 250-361-4424
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Our Brands
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Our Blogs
Ask the Doctor: Sensitivity to Bright Light
Eye CareI have noticed over the last month that I have become much more sensitive to bright light than I was before. It’s quite uncomfortable! What could be causing this? Answer: What you are experiencing is called photophobia, which, despite its name, is not a fear of light, but is simply an intolerance or sensitivity to […]
Ask the Doctor: Contact Lens Exams
Ask the Doctor, Contact LensesMy contact lens order hasn’t changed in over eight years, and I feel like I am seeing clearly, so why do I need to have an eye exam before I can order more contact lenses? Answer: I get where you are coming from! If your vision feels fine and your prescription hasn’t budged in nearly […]
Ask the Doctor: Increased Risk of Disease for Blue Eyes
Ask the DoctorI have blue eyes and find them to be very light-sensitive. Are blue eyes at greater risk than brown eyes for any diseases because they have less natural protection from the sun? Interesting question! The “blue” colour stems from having less melanin in the top layer of the iris. Although this allows light to reflect […]
Ask the Doctor: Sensitivity to Bright Light
I have noticed over the last month that I have become much more sensitive to bright light than I was before. It’s quite uncomfortable! What could be causing this? Answer: What you are experiencing is called photophobia, which, despite its name, is not a fear of light, but is simply an intolerance or sensitivity to […]
Ask the Doctor: Contact Lens Exams
My contact lens order hasn’t changed in over eight years, and I feel like I am seeing clearly, so why do I need to have an eye exam before I can order more contact lenses? Answer: I get where you are coming from! If your vision feels fine and your prescription hasn’t budged in nearly […]
Ask the Doctor: Increased Risk of Disease for Blue Eyes
I have blue eyes and find them to be very light-sensitive. Are blue eyes at greater risk than brown eyes for any diseases because they have less natural protection from the sun? Interesting question! The “blue” colour stems from having less melanin in the top layer of the iris. Although this allows light to reflect […]
Land Acknowledgement
We respect and acknowledge the lək̓ʷəŋən People, a subset of the Coast Salish, also known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, on whose territory we do our work. Our clinic recognizes the colonization, attitudes, and systems that have been put in place that have drastically altered Indigenous Peoples relationship with the land.
We as a team recognize the importance of educating ourselves on the systemic oppression of settler generations that has greatly changed the lives of Indigenous Peoples. We place the utmost importance on reconciliation and will continue to aid in this effort however we can.
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Mayfair Optometric Clinic
- 3196 Douglas Street
- Victoria, BC V8Z 3K6
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P: 250-361-4444
[email protected]
