Each November, communities across Canada shine a spotlight on diabetes, a condition that affects more than 3.7 million Canadians, according to Diabetes Canada. What many people don’t realize is that your eyes can often be the first place this condition makes itself known. For some, a routine eye exam becomes the moment they learn they may have diabetes or be at risk.
At Dolman Eyecare Centre, we believe that an informed patient is an empowered one. This November, during Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re sharing how comprehensive eye exams can play a vital role in the early detection and ongoing management of diabetes, and why regular visits to your optometrist should be part of every diabetic care plan in Ontario.
How Optometrists Can Detect Signs of Diabetes
You can directly view the blood vessels through the eyes; one of the only places in the body where that’s possible. That’s why optometrists are often among the first healthcare professionals to spot signs of diabetes. During a comprehensive eye exam, we examine the retina—the part of your eye that senses light—for early indicators like:
- Swelling or leaking of blood vessels
- Small hemorrhages
- Fluid buildup (macular edema, or swelling near the central part of your retina)
- Changes to the optic nerve
These findings may suggest a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, one of the most common complications of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness in adults.
Early stages of diabetic retinopathy often go unnoticed. There is no pain or obvious symptoms. That’s why annual diabetic eye exams are essential, even if your sight feels stable.
Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes
Diabetes can affect the eyes in several ways, and catching these issues early can make a real difference in preserving your sight. The most common conditions include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina. In early stages, this may cause no symptoms, but can progress to blurred vision or vision loss.
- Macular Edema: Swelling in the central part of the retina, which affects reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
- Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age.
- Glaucoma: Diabetes increases the risk of pressure-related damage to the optic nerve, which can gradually impair peripheral vision.
For patients living with diabetes or those who may be at risk, regular eye exams are not just about vision correction. They’re a critical part of managing your overall health.
Vision Symptoms of Diabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore
Vision changes can sometimes signal a more urgent problem. If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your eye health and report any changes right away. Symptoms that require immediate attention include:
- Sudden blurry vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Flashes of light
- Difficulty seeing at night
- A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
These may indicate damage to the retina or optic nerve. Early intervention can help prevent further vision loss. If you notice any of these signs, contact your optometrist immediately.
The Role of Routine Eye Exams in Diabetic Care
A diabetes eye exam in Ontario typically includes a dilated retinal exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and sometimes retinal imaging. These tools help your optometrist detect issues beneath the surface of the eye.
At Dolman Eyecare Centre, our optometrists work closely with your primary care provider or endocrinologist to ensure we integrate your eye health into your diabetic care plan. We use advanced diagnostics to track changes over time and provide clear, easy-to-understand explanations of what we find.
We personalize our care. If you've recently received a diabetes diagnosis or have been managing it for years, we’re here to ensure your eyes stay healthy throughout every stage.
Diabetic Eye Care You Can Trust in New Hamburg
When you visit Dolman Eyecare Centre, you're getting more than an eye exam—you're gaining a partner in your health journey. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges of diabetes and ensures you feel heard and cared for at every step.
We proudly serve New Hamburg, Kitchener, Baden, Stratford, and surrounding Ontario communities.
Book Your Diabetes Eye Exam in Ontario
Your vision is too important to put off. Regular comprehensive eye exams are a powerful tool for managing diabetes and protecting your sight. Whether you're due for your annual visit or have questions about diabetic eye care, our team is here to help.
Schedule your eye care appointment at Dolman Eyecare Centre. You can also visit our eye care services page to explore more of what we offer or learn more about our compassionate team on our eye doctors page.