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. Truth be told, diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults.
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing vision problems. We recommend that those with diabetes have annual, comprehensive eye exams. Dr. Neufeld will show you your ocular coherence tomography and retinal photography results on the 52” screen tv within the exam room. During the consultative portion of the eye examination, he will show you any diabetic retinopathy that may be developing and discuss management options. 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!
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.
Visit Our Location
Find us in Auburn Bay Station, near the Auburn Bay Co-op and next to The Brow Studio. We serve patients across SE Calgary, including Seton, Mahogany, Cranston, Copperfield, McKenzie Lake, McKenzie Towne, and New Brighton. We direct bill 3rd party insurance companies for your eye exam, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses for your convenience.
Our Address
- #346, 100 Auburn Meadows Dr. SE
- Calgary, AB T3M 2G5
Contact Information
- Phone: 403-719-5483
- Email: eyelive@shaw.ca
Hours of Operation
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday*: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
*Closed the 1st Saturday of each month.
**We are closed for all statutory holidays.
Holiday Hours
Closed Sunday, December 22 to Thursday, December 26
Friday, December 27: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, December 28: 9 am – 5 pm
Monday, December 30: CLOSED
Tuesday, December 31: 9 am – 2 pm
Wednesday, January 1: CLOSED
Thursday, January 2: 10 am – 3 pm
Friday, January 3: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, January 4: CLOSED