Diabetic Eye Exams | Kelowna | Rutland Optometry

Eye Care That Looks Deeper

We understand and appreciate the complex link between your overall health and your eyes. Because of this appreciation, we take a deep look at the effect certain health conditions can have on your eyes.

One of these conditions includes diabetes, a health concern affecting millions of Canadians. We’re committed to helping you manage these issues and preserve your eyesight. Start your eye care journey today by booking an appointment at Rutland Optometry.

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How Diabetes Affects Your Eye Health

Diabetes is a systemic disease that occurs when your body has difficulty managing your blood sugar levels. Sugar, also known as glucose, is vital for providing energy—your body finds its energy by processing glucose into your blood cells using a hormone called insulin.

Diabetes affects this process, leading to excess levels of glucose in your bloodstream. High glucose can then lead to several health concerns involving your heart, teeth, and yes, even your eyes.

We recommend having an annual eye exam if you have diabetes. Eye exams can help detect issues early in their development, giving you and our team an opportunity to address them.

Why You Should Have an Eye Exam

Comprehensive eye care starts with understanding everyone’s individual needs, and the key to this understanding is using modern techniques and technology—technology that includes:

These tools provide us with the ability to look even further into your eyes and their structures, including your retina, macula, optic nerve, and more. By having a clear view of your eye health, we can protect your eyes from various diabetes-related eye diseases and conditions.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that develops when high glucose damages the blood vessels in your retina, causing them to bulge, break, and leak fluids. This disease usually develops slowly, and with no noticeable symptoms. Eventually, it may lead to vision loss.

Advanced cases, known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, can create scar tissue on your retina and increase the risk of retinal detachment.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema is an eye disease that could develop because of diabetic retinopathy. When your retina’s blood vessels leak, fluids can accumulate in your macula, causing it to swell.

Your macula is responsible for providing the central vision you use to read, write, and drive. However, if the swelling causes damage, it could affect the quality of your central vision and lead to vision loss.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, and diabetes can double the risk of developing it.

When blockages prevent fluid from flowing through your eye’s natural drainage system, your intraocular pressure (IOP) levels could rise. Rising IOP levels could damage your optic nerve and lead to vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition that develops as a result of aging, but diabetes could increase the risk of developing them at a younger age.

Cataracts are often characterized by the hazy, milky colour that forms on your lens. You could correct early visual issues with glasses or contact lenses.

In some cases, we might recommend surgery to remove the cataract lens.

We’re Local

Our office is conveniently located on Highway 33 in the heart of Rutland neighbourhood of Kelowna, just minutes from Highway 97. Find us inside Willow Park Mall, with ample parking just outside our doors.