Diabetic Retinal Exam

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and a potentially sight-threatening disease. It damages the blood vessels in the retina and can get worse over time. Regular screenings are important for people with diabetes as many symptoms may not develop until the diabetic retinopathy is quite severe. 

The sooner we detect it, the more effectively we can treat it. There are various exam methods but the most common ones include:

• Visual Acuity Testing - measures your eye’s ability to focus and see various details at different distances and helps detect vision loss
• Ophthalmoscopy and Slit Lamp Exam - viewing the back of your eye to detect a clouding of your lens, changes to the retina and various other problems
• Gonioscopy - to see whether the area where the fluid drains from your eye is closed - if one of our Calgary eye doctors suspects you have glaucoma, this test will be done
• Tonometry - measures the level of pressure inside the eye - also used to detect glaucoma as diabetes can greatly increase your risk of glaucoma

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Other Measures

There is no permanent cure for diabetic retinopathy, but Blink Eyecare offers various treatments that prevent or delay vision loss effectively.

Photocoagulation, or laser treatment, can be very effective if performed before there is too much damage to the retina. Also, injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may help, as can removal of the vitreous gel.

These are some of the measures taken if the diabetic retinopathy has affected the centre of the retina, or if the peripheral vision is damaged. Treatment may not be required at all but you will be advised to check your vision regularly. There is no cure for the diabetic retinopathy so it's essential to be continually screened as, even if you've received prior treatment, symptoms can return and the procedure may need to be repeated to delay further damage to your sight.

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Contact us or drop by one of our locations at West Springs, Creekside, or Crowfoot and receive the eye care you need. We are here for you.