Diabetic Retinal Examination

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness in diabetic patients. It is an extremely serious eye condition which involves changes to the retinal blood vessels, causing them to bleed or leak fluid, thus distorting vision.

It is estimated that approximately 2 million Canadians suffer from this ocular condition. At Lethbridge Eye Clinic, our qualified eye specialists are able to perform advanced, dilated vision tests to screen for, diagnose and manage diabetic retinopathy.

Risk Factors

Patients with all types of diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational) are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. Other risk factors include:

• Duration of diabetes - the longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk.
• Poorly regulated blood sugar level
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Tobacco use
• Pregnancy

Importance of Diabetic Retinal Examination

Often, the early onset of diabetic retinopathy has no visual symptoms. That is why we recommend that all our patients with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. At Lethbridge Eye Clinic, we are able to diagnose diabetic retinopathy through:

• Evaluation of patient history.
• A visual acuity test.
• Tonometry (measuring the pressure in your eye)
• Pupil dilation.

This eye exam allows our optometrists to check your retina for early signs of the disease including:

• Leaking blood vessels
• Macular edema
• Fatty deposits on the retina
• Damaged nerve tissue
• Any changes to the retinal blood vessels

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy and can reduce the risk of blindness by 95%. So book an eye exam appointment with one of our Lethbridge optometrists today.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Depending on your situation, these can be used individually or in combination to provide the best results.

• Corticosteroids
• Focal/Grid Macular Laser Surgery
• Vitrectomy

Our qualified and dedicated optometrists are highly knowledgeable about a host of serious eye conditions and they are able to advise you on the most effective diabetic retinopathy treatment options in Lethbridge.

If you are scheduled for a Diabetic Retinal Examination, please bring:

• Any glasses, contact lenses or eye drops you are using.
• Any medications and supplements
• A family history of significant medical conditions
• A record of your medical history
• A record of any recent eye surgeries or injuries

*This required information will allow us to get the most accurate diagnosis possible*

For more information on diabetic retinopathy symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, contact our Lethbridge Eye Clinic at (403) 327-4166

Book A Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam