High blood sugar doesn’t just impact your body—it can silently harm your vision. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you may be at risk for conditions like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, which can lead to permanent vision loss if left undetected. At My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams using advanced technology to catch early signs of damage and protect your vision for the long term. Whether you’re in Sunridge, Sundance, or Three Hills, our compassionate team is here to help you manage your eye health with personalized care. Contact us to book your diabetic eye exam today and take an important step in preserving your sight and well-being.
How High Blood Sugar Can Impact Your Eyes
If you're living with diabetes or managing elevated blood sugar levels, you’re likely already monitoring your diet and general health—but what about your eyes? Diabetes and vision loss are closely connected, and understanding that link can help prevent long-term damage.
At My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills, we want patients to feel confident and informed when it comes to protecting their vision. High blood sugar can affect your eyes in multiple ways, often without noticeable symptoms at first. That’s why routine diabetic eye exams are so important.
Diabetic Retinopathy: A Leading Cause of Vision Loss
One of the most common and serious eye conditions caused by high blood sugar is diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when excess glucose in the blood damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
In the early stages, you may not notice any changes in vision, but over time, diabetic retinopathy can lead to:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Spots or floaters
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Complete vision loss if left untreated
The risk of diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is. Regular comprehensive diabetic eye exams in Calgary are essential for detecting early changes and preventing permanent damage.
How Cataracts and Glaucoma Relate to Blood Sugar
In addition to diabetic retinopathy, people with diabetes are more likely to develop other eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.
- Cataracts: High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell and become cloudy, leading to cataracts at a younger age. Symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and faded colours.
- Glaucoma: Elevated blood sugar can increase pressure inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve and leading to glaucoma. This condition often has no symptoms until vision loss has already begun.
Both conditions can be managed more effectively when caught early. At My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills, we use advanced diagnostic tools to monitor your eye health and guide you through any necessary treatment.
Why Regular Diabetic Eye Exams Are So Important
The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes receive a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year. Early detection is key—many diabetes-related eye conditions progress silently until they cause irreversible damage.
During a diabetic eye exam at My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills, we assess the health of your retina, measure intraocular pressure, and check for signs of swelling, bleeding, or other changes inside the eye. These exams are quick, comfortable, and provide essential insight into your vision health.
If you live in NE Calgary, Sunridge, Sundance, or Three Hills, our friendly team is here to make sure your eyes get the attention they deserve.
Managing Blood Sugar for Better Vision
Keeping your blood sugar levels in check not only helps your overall health—it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your eyesight. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Monitor your blood glucose regularly and follow your care plan
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3s, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly to support blood circulation and reduce pressure on your eyes
- Avoid smoking, as it can worsen blood vessel damage in the eyes
- Schedule routine diabetic eye exams to stay on top of any changes
Combining good lifestyle habits with expert care from My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills can go a long way in preventing vision loss related to diabetes.
Protect Your Vision—Book a Diabetic Eye Exam Today
Understanding the connection between blood sugar and eye health is the first step in protecting your vision for the long term. Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or have recently been diagnosed, regular eye exams are essential to catch problems early and preserve your sight.
My Optometrist in Calgary & Three Hills offers comprehensive diabetic eye exams in Sunridge, Sundance, or Three Hills using the latest diagnostic technology in a caring, patient-focused environment. If you're looking for professional diabetic eye care in Calgary, contact us to schedule an appointment today and let our experienced team help you keep your vision strong and your eyes healthy—no matter where you are on your diabetes journey.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the symptoms of diabetes-related vision problems?
A: Early stages may have no symptoms. Later signs include blurry vision, floaters, trouble seeing at night, or sudden vision loss.
Q: Can eye damage from diabetes be reversed?
A: Early-stage damage may be managed or stabilized, but advanced damage is often irreversible—early detection is key.
Q: What happens during a diabetic eye exam?
A: The optometrist will examine your retina, check for swelling or bleeding, test eye pressure, and monitor for other changes. Contact My Optometrist to book your next comprehensive eye exam!