Diabetes Awareness Month: Protect Your Vision
November is Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada and it is a time to raise awareness about how diabetes can impact your eyesight. At Integra Eyecare Centre in Vancouver and Burnaby, our optometrists are committed to helping patients living with diabetes prevent and manage vision-related complications through early detection and regular eye exams.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Diabetes can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy, and it is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness among adults.
When blood vessels weaken or leak, it can lead to swelling, bleeding, or the growth of abnormal vessels. These pathological signs can significantly impair vision if not treated in time.
Diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye diseases, including:
Diabetic macular edema (DME): Swelling in the retina’s center that causes blurred or distorted vision.
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, which can develop earlier and progress faster in people with diabetes.
Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve.
Dry eye disease: Reduced tear quality and surface inflammation that cause discomfort and blurred vision.
Early Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why proactive eye care is so important. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Dark spots or floaters
Difficulty seeing at night
Faded or dull colours
Sudden vision loss
If you experience any of these changes, it’s essential to schedule a comprehensive eye exam right away.
Prevention and Eye Health Tips for People with Diabetes
While diabetic eye disease can be serious, the good news is that it’s largely preventable with proper management and regular eye care. Early detection allows for timely treatment and can significantly reduce your risk of permanent vision loss. Here are some key steps to protect your vision:
Book your annual diabetic eye exam – even if your vision feels normal.
Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol well-controlled.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle – including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking.
Monitor your vision and report any sudden changes to your optometrist immediately.
Why an Annual Eye Exam is Essential
At Integra Eyecare Centre, we use advanced retinal imaging and diagnostic technology such as OCT to detect even the earliest signs of diabetic eye disease. Our optometrists provide individualized care and collaborate closely with your healthcare team to manage your eye health effectively.
Even if you don’t notice any vision changes, diabetes can cause silent damage to the retina over time. That’s why a yearly comprehensive eye exam is the best way to preserve your vision and maintain lifelong eye health.
Protect Your Vision with Integra Eyecare Centre
Whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing it for years, our experienced team at Integra Eyecare Centre Vancouver and Burnaby is here to help you maintain clear, healthy vision.
Book your comprehensive diabetic eye exam today and take an important step toward protecting your sight for the future.
