Eye Exams for Patients With Diabetes

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Diabetes Can Impact Your Vision & Eye Health

Individuals with diabetes have unique eye health and vision care needs and should undergo a diabetic eye exam at least once per year. Diabetes has the potential to cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina (back of the eye). This can lead to permanent vision loss and early diagnosis is key to a good outcome.

Eye exams for patients with diabetes using advanced technology
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The Importance of Advanced Imaging

At Abbey Eye Care we have some of the most advanced imaging technologies available today to provide early detection and management of diabetic eye disease. Because it is the small blood vessels of the retina that are often affected first by diabetes, it helps to have multiple imaging systems to detect these changes at an early stage. Early detection is key to better disease management including referral for treatment when necessary.

Very few clinics in the area provide this level of diabetic eye disease detection.

zeiss clarus ultrawide retinal image
Ultrawide Retina Photos – over 4X larger than standard photos
topcon oct b scan 1
High Resolution OCT-B scan more detail than standard OCT scans
Topcon OCTA Angiography Small Blood Vessel Visualization
OCT Angiography – highlights small blood vessles in the retina
Zeiss Clarus Fundus Auto Floresence
Fundus Autoflorescence can highlight abnormal diabetic blood vessel growth
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Working With Local Retina Specialists

At Abbey Eye Care we collaborate with local retina Ophthalmologists to get a “2nd set of eyes” on your condition using the Care1 platform. The images we capture are uploaded to an e-consultation platform for virtual review and comment. A summary letter is sent to both your family physician and your endocrinologist (if you have one). If you need to see the retina Ophthalmologist for an in person consultation that will be arranged on your behalf.

Having your diabetic eye care provided by Abbey Eye Care allows you to access the expertise and guidance of both Optometry and Ophthalmology.

For those wanting further information you can learn about the e-consultation platform that we use here.

Care1 AI Collaborative Consultation Model
Book Your Diabetic Eye Exam Online
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Eye Exams For Everyone

When we perform an eye exam, we’re not just making sure your eyes work; we’re looking at how well they work. In addition to testing things like distance and reading vision, we will also test eye teaming and focusing abilities to ensure your eyes and muscles all work together as they should.

Most eye diseases develop without symptoms, meaning by the time you notice a change in your vision, your eyes may have already undergone permanent damage. Using our advanced diagnostic technology, we will look for early signs of diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The earlier we catch these conditions, the better we can preserve your vision.

Patients over 65 years old are at a significantly higher risk of eye diseases and issues. Regular comprehensive eye examinations help you get the most out of your vision and allow us to keep a close watch on your ocular health.

Many of the eye conditions that are common among seniors can be diagnosed and managed by our team of skilled and caring optometrists. For patients in need of more complex care, we work together with our established network of eye care professionals in the Oakville community and beyond to provide the best care through referral or co-management.

OHIP covers one full eye exam every 12 or 18 months for people ages 65 and over. Ask our team to see which category applies to you.

Patients with diabetes may experience conditions like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema which can result in bleeding or scarring of the retina, obstructing vision and potentially causing blindness if untreated. This risk, along with an increased risk of other eye diseases, make proper eye care absolutely crucial for diabetic patients.

Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should see an Optometrist at least once a year. We employ the latest in technology to detect important changes to the eyes before they impact your vision.

OHIP covers patients with diabetes for one full eye examination per year (advanced imaging technology extra).