Diabetes

Diabetes can affect the eyes if blood sugar is not controlled properly or if a patient had been diabetic for many years. It is important for them to have eye exams at least once a year, or more frequent if their eye doctors find necessary.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the working population in Canada. It is a result of damaged blood vessels in the retina, which leads to the leakages, formation of new weaker vessels (neovascularization), and other changes. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness. It is very important for diabetic patients to work with their family doctor and/or endocrinologist to control their blood sugar levels, and have annual eye examinations with their optometrists to monitor their ocular health. Our doctors can identify any vision threatening signs and initiate appropriate treatment to prevent irreversible vision damage.