Diabetes and Your Eyes—What You Don’t Feel Can Still Harm You
If you live with diabetes, regular eye exams aren’t just recommended, they’re critical. High blood sugar can quietly damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. These issues often develop without any warning signs, which means your vision could be at risk even if you feel fine.
That’s why diabetic eye exams are different from regular eye exams. They involve advanced imaging and a more detailed evaluation of your retina, the part of the eye most vulnerable to diabetes-related damage. At Market Mall Optometry in NW Calgary, we take a proactive approach to diabetic eye care with early detection, ongoing monitoring, and personalized treatment planning.
What Makes a Diabetic Eye Exam Different?
1. It Goes Beyond Vision Correction
A standard eye exam checks your prescription and overall eye health. A diabetic eye exam digs deeper.
We look for subtle signs of damage caused by high blood sugar, including:
- Leaking or abnormal blood vessels
- Swelling in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp vision)
- Retinal bleeding or scarring
- Changes in the optic nerve
Even if your vision seems stable, these early changes can be happening silently. Early detection is key to preventing long-term damage.
2. Advanced Imaging Reveals Hidden Problems
At Market Mall Optometry, we use high-resolution retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to get a detailed view of your retina. These tools allow us to:
- Detect swelling or fluid buildup
- Track changes in blood vessels
- Monitor disease progression over time
This technology helps us catch issues long before they become noticeable—and gives you time to take action with your doctor or diabetes care team.
3. We Coordinate with Your Diabetes Care Plan
Your eye health is directly tied to your blood sugar control. That’s why we don’t treat diabetic eye exams in isolation.
If we detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other complications, we communicate directly with your primary care provider, endocrinologist, or ophthalmologist. Our goal is to ensure your entire healthcare team is informed and aligned, helping you manage your condition more effectively.
4. Annual Exams Help Prevent Vision Loss
People with diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam once per year, even if they have no symptoms. If we find signs of damage, we may recommend more frequent monitoring.
The earlier we catch a problem, the easier it is to manage, and in many cases, prevent vision loss altogether.
If it’s been more than 12 months since your last diabetic eye exam in Calgary, now is the time to book.
Your Vision Deserves Protection—Start with a Diabetic Eye Exam
At Market Mall Optometry in NW Calgary, we believe in early action, clear communication, and comprehensive care. Our diabetic eye exams use advanced imaging to detect problems early and protect your vision for the long term. If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact us today to book your diabetic eye exam and take an essential step toward lifelong eye health.
FAQs
Q: What is a diabetic eye exam?
A: A diabetic eye exam is a detailed eye health check that looks for vision problems caused by diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy. Contact Market Mall Optometry today to book your diabetic retinal exam.
Q: How is it different from a regular eye exam?
A: It includes advanced retinal imaging and a closer evaluation of the blood vessels in your eyes, which are vulnerable to diabetes-related damage.
Q: How often should I have a diabetic eye exam?
A: Once a year is recommended for anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, even if you have no vision symptoms.
