NOVEMBER IS DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

This month we are raising awareness of the potential effects of diabetes on vision. About 9% of the Canadian population¹ is currently living with diabetes, and the rate is increasing. Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the more serious complications of this disease that may lead to permanent vision loss.

About 60% of people with Type 2 diabetes (most commonly adult onset) will get diabetic retinopathy within two decades of diagnosis². Most of the time, early diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms – no change in vision or discomfort – which is why it often goes undiagnosed. Patients may have normal, or “20/20 vision” for years while diabetic retinopathy silently damages the retina. Normal vision may cause some to believe they do not have any problems, and so they may not seek preventive care.

Many of our patients have diabetes, and our MVO optometrists are skilled and experienced at picking up the earliest signs of a problem. These are the tests that are conducted:

• Retina exam: we use Optomap Wide-field imaging which is one of the best ways to obtain a thorough and detailed view of the retina. Our doctors look for signs of leaky blood vessels or more advanced signs of diabetic retinopathy at each visit. 
• Dilation of pupils: usually done annually for most patients with diabetes, when combined with wide-field imaging provides the most comprehensive eye health assessment. 
• Macular OCT: the most sensitive part of the retina often shows subtle signs of swelling or cystic changes that might indicate early diabetic eye disease. This highly detailed cross-sectional scan aids our optometrists in picking up any subtle changes that may occur over time.

Maintaining optimal blood sugars through diet, nutrition, exercise, and often medication is crucial in reducing the risk for vision loss from diabetes. Your MVO optometrist is here to help with any questions or concerns. Annual eye exams are an important proactive step in maintaining good overall health, and this is especially important with diabetes.

References:

1. Framework for diabetes in Canada - Canada.ca 
2. Canadian Life Sciences Database