Can Diabetes Show Up in an Eye Test?
If you have diabetes—or suspect you might—your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health. But can diabetes actually be diagnosed during an eye exam? The short answer is: yes, it's possible.
Optometrists are trained to detect changes in the eyes that could signal diabetes, sometimes even before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body. Here's what you need to know about how diabetes can show up in an eye test and why an annual diabetes eye exam is so important.
Can Diabetes Be Diagnosed Through an Eye Exam?
During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist examines the retina and blood vessels in the back of the eye. Diabetes often causes damage to these blood vessels, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Early signs include:
Tiny hemorrhages or microaneurysms in the retina
Swelling in the macula (the central part of your vision)
Unusual blood vessel growth or leaking fluid
These changes can sometimes be detected before other symptoms of diabetes become evident. While an eye exam can uncover signs of diabetes, a diagnosis requires confirmation through a blood test ordered by your primary care physician or endocrinologist.
Common Vision Symptoms That May Indicate Diabetes
Diabetes often impacts vision in subtle ways before a diagnosis is made, and recognizing these symptoms can be vital for early detection.
Blurred vision is one of the most common complaints, often caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels that temporarily alter the shape of the lens in your eye. You may also notice an increased sensitivity to light, difficulty focusing, or persistent eye discomfort. In some cases, floaters or dark spots in your vision could indicate early signs of diabetic retinopathy, where damaged blood vessels in the retina begin to leak.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling an eye exam is crucial. Your optometrist can assess whether diabetes may be contributing to these changes and guide you toward the next steps for proper management.
How Many Canadians Are Living with Diabetes Today?
In Canada, diabetes is a significant health concern affecting a substantial portion of the population. Approximately 10% of Canadians are living with diagnosed diabetes, which includes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases, while type 2 diabetes comprises the remaining 90% to 95%. Additionally, around 5-6% of Canadian adults aged 20 to 79 have prediabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes but indicate a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
What Is Involved in an Annual Diabetes Eye Test?
An eye exam is unique in that it allows doctors to directly view the blood vessels in your body, providing a rare window into your overall health. Through the retina, optometrists and ophthalmologists can detect changes or abnormalities in blood vessels that may indicate systemic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or even autoimmune disorders. This glimpse into your vascular health is crucial for maintaining your vision and serves as an early warning system for potential issues elsewhere in the body. It's one more reason why routine eye exams are a vital part of comprehensive healthcare.
At Helio Optometry, we take a thorough approach to diabetes eye care, using advanced technology to detect even the most minor changes.
Key components of a diabetes eye test include:
Detailed Health History: Your optometrist will review your medical and diabetes history to assess risk factors and any changes since your last exam. We will discuss your daily blood sugar levels and your more extended HgA1C levels to determine how well-controlled your blood sugar levels are.
Visual Acuity Testing: This checks how well you see at different distances.
Intraocular Pressure Test: People with diabetes are at higher risk for glaucoma, so checking for elevated eye pressure is critical.
Dilated Eye Exam: Special eye drops widen your pupils, allowing your optometrist to get a clear view of the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage.
Optomap Ultra-Widefield Imaging: This advanced technology captures a 200-degree view of your retina, enabling us to detect issues like retinal tears or early signs of retinopathy. Unlike traditional retinal photography, which only captures the central 15-20 degrees.
OCT Scanning: 3D Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides detailed images of retinal layers, helping to identify swelling or abnormalities. The most common cause of vision loss in diabetes is macular edema, where fluid accumulates in the central retina. OCT imaging is the gold standard for screening and diagnosing this sight-threatening complication.
Why Are Annual Diabetes Eye Tests Important?
Diabetes can impact your eyes even if your vision seems fine. Annual diabetes eye exams are essential for preventing complications like vision loss or blindness. Early detection and timely intervention can make all the difference in maintaining your eye health and quality of life.
At Helio Optometry, we're committed to providing personalized, expert care to help you manage diabetes effectively. Our state-of-the-art technology and highly trained team ensure you get the best possible care every year.
Book Your Diabetes Eye Exam Today
If you have diabetes—or think you might—don't wait to schedule an eye exam. At Helio Optometry, we make it easy to prioritize your eye health with comprehensive diabetes care tailored to your needs. Alberta Health Care covers annual diabetes retinal health exams that include OCT imaging and Optomap Ultra-Widefield retinal imaging.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.