If you live with diabetes, your eyes need regular attention even when your vision feels fine. High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. That damage can develop slowly and quietly, which is why a yearly diabetic eye exam is an important part of diabetes care for people in Edmonton and Mill Woods.
Why diabetes can affect your eyes
Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition where retinal blood vessels weaken, leak, or close off. In later stages, new fragile vessels may grow and bleed inside the eye. Diabetes also raises the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina used for reading and recognizing faces. Early on, none of these changes may cause symptoms, so waiting for blurry vision before booking an exam can mean a problem is found later than it could have been.
Why a dilated exam matters
During a dilated exam, drops widen your pupils so your optometrist can see more of the retina and optic nerve. That wider view makes it easier to spot early signs such as tiny bleeds, fluid, or vessel changes. Your visit may also include retinal photos to document what is seen and compare at future visits. Finding changes early gives you and your care team more options to protect your vision.
What happens during a diabetic eye exam
Your exam usually starts with questions about your diabetes history, medications, recent blood sugar control, and any vision changes you have noticed. Your optometrist will check your vision and prescription, measure your eye pressure, and examine the front and back of your eyes. After dilation, your vision may be blurry and you may be sensitive to light for a few hours, so many people bring sunglasses and plan not to drive right after. If anything needs closer monitoring, your optometrist will explain the findings and arrange a referral when needed.
How often should you come in?
Most adults with diabetes are advised to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year, even if they see well. Some people need to be seen more often, for example during pregnancy, if blood sugar has been hard to control, or if early retinopathy was found at a previous visit. Children and teens with diabetes also need regular monitoring, and eye exams for children under 19 and seniors are covered by Alberta Health Care. If you are not sure when your last diabetic eye exam was, booking one now is a practical next step.
Signs to get checked sooner
Book an appointment promptly if you notice new floaters, flashes of light, sudden blurry or wavy vision, dark spots, or a sudden change in one eye. These symptoms do not always mean a serious problem, but they should be checked without waiting for your yearly visit. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol managed, as advised by your family doctor, also supports eye health between exams.
Book a diabetic eye exam in Mill Woods
Infinite Eyecare is located at 4275 23 Ave NW in Mill Woods, Edmonton, and we offer direct billing to most major insurers. If you have diabetes and are due for your yearly dilated exam, call us at 780-425-0003 to book your appointment.
