Did you know many of your body’s smallest blood vessels are inside your eyes—and they’re vulnerable to damage from diabetes? At White Rock Optometry, we’re committed to your complete wellness. We partner with your wider health-care team to monitor your eye health and ensure you keep seeing clearly.
How High Blood Sugar Affects Your Eyes
- Persistent elevated blood sugar can damage tiny vessels in the retina, leading to:
- Leaking or swelling from fragile vessels
- Growth of weak new vessels prone to bleeding or causing retinal detachment
- Irreversible vision changes or loss if left untreated
What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam?
When you visit White Rock Optometry, you’ll receive a thorough eye health evaluation tailored to your diabetes status:
- Retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography to capture detailed views of the retina
- Close examination of the macula and peripheral retina for signs of swelling, bleeding or vessel growth
- A coordinated care plan with your diabetes team for proactive monitoring and intervention
Why a Team Approach Is Crucial
Your eye care is an essential part of your overall diabetes management. At White Rock Optometry, we:
- Communicate with your primary care provider or endocrinologist when needed
- Help detect early ocular changes that reflect broader systemic health issues
- Support you in making lifestyle changes—like diet, exercise and blood-sugar control—that benefit both your eye health and overall wellness
By working together, you gain the best chance of preserving vision and protecting your quality of life.
From the Experts: Insights on Diabetes and Eye Health
A regular comprehensive eye exam helps detect diabetes-related complications before vision is affected. Early identification opens up more treatment options and better outcomes.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, ask your Doctor of Optometry about a complete eye health assessment at White Rock Optometry.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a lifelong health condition that affects small blood vessels throughout the body—including those in the eye. The hormone insulin helps regulate blood-sugar levels, and when it malfunctions, complications can arise.
Types include:
- Type 1 – the body doesn’t produce insulin.
- Type 2 – the body doesn’t use or make insulin effectively.
- Gestational Diabetes – develops during pregnancy.
For more on diabetes risks, signs and symptoms, visit the Diabetes Canada website.
How Diabetes Can Affect the Eye
Diabetes and its complications may lead to:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision, including changes in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and premature presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close)
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Double vision (from nerve involvement)
- Reduced corneal sensitivity (causing dry eye or corneal ulcers)
- Diabetic retinopathy (ranging from mild to severe)
- Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye)
How Eye Exams Pick Up Diabetes Early
A comprehensive eye exam at White Rock Optometry often reveals early signs of diabetes via:
- Changes in your prescription or vision clarity
- Alterations in retinal blood-vessel patterns
- Swelling or fluid in the macula
- Structural changes in the optic nerve
Our advanced diagnostic tools—like retinal photography and OCT—allow us to detect subtle signs of diabetic eye disease before symptoms are noticeable.
Preventing Diabetes-Related Eye Problems
You can help protect your vision by:
- Booking a full eye health exam when you’re diagnosed with diabetes
- Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
- Following your physician’s advice on diet, exercise, and medications
For further information, visit the Diabetes Canada website.
Protect Your Sight with White Rock Optometry
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes or are experiencing vision changes, don’t wait. Book your comprehensive diabetic eye exam with White Rock Optometry in White Rock today.