Diabetes can significantly affect your vision, often without warning. From blurry vision to retinal damage, the risks are real—but manageable with early detection and care. For patients in Calgary and Three Hills living with diabetes, recognizing early signs of diabetic eye issues can help protect long-term vision health. Whether it’s changes in night vision or seeing spots, these symptoms may be early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other complications. My Optometrist Calgary offers comprehensive diabetic eye exams and retina screenings at our Sunridge, Sunpark, and Three Hills locations. Contact My Optometrist Calgary today to schedule your diabetes-specific eye exam and safeguard your sight.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Damage and the Importance of Early Detection
Living with diabetes requires ongoing attention to many aspects of your health, and your eyes are no exception. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy and even permanent vision loss. Calgary patients living with diabetes should understand the importance of early detection through regular, diabetes-specific eye exams.
At My Optometrist in Calgary and Three Hills, diabetic eye care is personalized and comprehensive. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to detect issues early, often before symptoms become noticeable. With routine monitoring and tailored treatments, patients can maintain healthy vision for years to come.
5 Early Warning Signs to look Out For
1. Blurry Vision Caused by Diabetes
One of the earliest and most overlooked signs of diabetes-related eye damage is blurry vision. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, altering your ability to see clearly. While this symptom may be temporary, it can also signal the onset of more serious conditions such as diabetic macular edema which can cause vision loss.
If you're experiencing diabetes and blurry vision in Calgary, don’t wait for it to worsen. A diabetes eye exam at My Optometrist Calgary can determine whether your symptoms are due to blood sugar changes or early diabetic retinopathy.
2. Frequent Vision Changes and Trouble Focusing
Have you noticed that your vision sharpness changes from day to day? Frequent prescription changes or difficulty focusing may be another early sign of diabetic eye strain or fluid buildup in the lens.
My Optometrist Calgary provides optometrist diabetes screening services to help identify these patterns early and offer strategies to manage diabetic vision.
3. Seeing Floaters or Dark Spots
Floaters, flashes of light, or dark spots in your field of vision could signal retinal damage or bleeding. These symptoms may indicate early stages of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of diabetic vision loss in Calgary.
Prompt retinal imaging and diabetic retinopathy detection can help prevent further deterioration. My Optometrist Calgary uses non-invasive imaging techniques to closely monitor changes in your retina.
4. Poor Night Vision or Difficulty Adjusting to Light
Another subtle but important warning sign is decreased night vision or difficulty adjusting to changes in lighting. These symptoms may reflect reduced blood flow to the retina or early nerve damage.
If you’re struggling to drive at night or find it hard to transition from dark to bright environments, it may be time for a Calgary diabetes eye health check at My Optometrist Calgary.
5. Eye Pain or Pressure
Persistent eye discomfort, pressure, or redness can point to underlying inflammation or elevated eye pressure, both of which are linked to diabetic eye complications like glaucoma.
A Calgary retina exam for diabetes at My Optometrist Calgary can help detect these issues early, reducing the risk of long-term vision problems.
Protect Your Sight with Regular Diabetic Eye Exams in Calgary and Three Hills
The best defence against diabetic vision loss is early detection. Calgary patients with diabetes should schedule regular eye exams tailored to their condition. From early signs of diabetic retinopathy to chronic symptoms like blurry vision or floaters, your eyes can offer critical insights into your overall health.
My Optometrist Calgary provides specialized diabetic eye care at our Sunridge and Sunpark locations in Calgary, as well as our Three Hills clinic. With advanced imaging, compassionate care, and personalized treatment, our team helps you protect your most important sense, your sight.
Contact My Optometrist Calgary or visit our Three Hills location to book your diabetes-specific eye exam today.
FAQs
Q: How does diabetes affect vision over time?
A: High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or even vision loss.
Q: What are early signs of diabetic eye disease?
A: Blurry vision, floaters, trouble focusing, night vision problems, and eye pain are all potential early warning signs.
Q: How often should I get a diabetic eye exam in Calgary?
A: Most patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year, or more often if symptoms change. Contact My Optometrist Calgary today to book an appointment.