OPTICAL PRISM | VISION & VOICE
Why should diabetic patients see their ECPs regularly ?
Diabetes can cause various eye diseases , including diabetic retinopathy , which is bleeding at the back of the eye . The early stages of eye disease often occur without any symptoms . It is important that people with diabetes have yearly eye exams with their optometrist to ensure that any changes are detected early . If left untreated , diabetic eye disease can lead to blindness . However , when caught early , diabetic eye disease can be treated to prevent further permanent damage .”
DR . NADINE M . FURTADO , University of Waterloo .
13 in
WORLD DIABETES DAY IS NOV . 14
CANADIANS IS LIVING WITH DIABETES OR PRE-DIABETES .*
* DIABETES CANADA
“ It is very important for individuals diagnosed with Type I , Type II , or gestational diabetes to have routine eye examinations . High or fluctuating blood sugars can damage blood vessels all over the body , including those that supply the retina , which is the part of the eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain via
“ Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of legal blindness in working-age adults . It often goes unnoticed until sight loss occurs . The risk of sight loss can be reduced by maintaining glucose levels within the target range , getting regular eye exams and early treatment . It is so important that people living with diabetes also discuss eye health with their diabetes health-care team and see their vision care professionals ( optometrists or ophthalmologists ) regularly .”
AMANDA STERCZYK , Manager for research and public policy for Diabetes Canada .
the optic nerve . Blood vessels in the retina can become blocked , causing them to leak fluid or bleed . This can result in diabetic retinopathy , diabetic macular edema , neovascular glaucoma , or retinal detachments which can be preventable with early treatment and intervention .”
GLENNA LOCKE , Licensed contact lens optician , Opticians Association of Canada board of director for Nova Scotia .
8 OPTICAL PRISM | November 2021