Why diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms until it's already advanced, and who should be getting checked every year.
Anyone living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes needs a dilated eye exam at least once a year, even with no vision problems at all. Diabetic retinopathy damages the retina quietly, often with no symptoms until it's already advanced, which is exactly why the exam matters more than how your eyes feel.
Diabetic retinopathy develops when consistently high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels feeding the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that actually captures what you see. In its early stage, those vessels can weaken and leak without affecting your vision at all. There's no pain, and for most people, no noticeable change day to day.
What predicts risk isn't how you feel, it's how long you've had diabetes and how well your blood sugar has been controlled over that time, along with factors like high blood pressure and pregnancy. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both carry this risk, which is why the guideline isn't based on symptoms showing up, it's based on having diabetes at all.
Diabetic retinopathy is treatable, and early treatment is far more effective at protecting vision than treatment started after symptoms appear. A dilated eye exam with retinal imaging can catch changes long before you'd ever notice them yourself. An annual diabetic eye exam is covered under Alberta Health Care for anyone living with diabetes, so cost isn't a reason to put it off.
A diabetic retinopathy exam at Eye Check Calgary includes a dilated view of the retina along with OCT scans and fundus photography, giving us a detailed, documented look at the blood vessels and tissue at the back of your eye. If we see early changes, we'll let you know exactly what we're watching and how often to come back. If something needs more urgent attention, we'll coordinate directly with your family doctor or an ophthalmologist so nothing falls through the cracks.
A dilated eye exam is the simplest way to catch diabetic retinopathy before it affects your vision. Book online or call, annual diabetic eye exams are covered under Alberta Health Care.
Book your comprehensive eye exam in Calgary with Eye Check Calgary. Whether it’s digital eye strain, dry eyes, diabetes-related vision concerns, or a contact lens fitting, we’ll guide you through every step with care and clarity. Call us today at 587-441-5254.
Comprehensive eye care in Calgary, led by Dr. Theo Buzea. We provide full-scope optometry services for all ages, including routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, dry eye assessments, and advanced diagnostic testing. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology to detect and manage conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and myopia.
At Eye Check Calgary, your vision health is our priority. Whether you need a back-to-school eye exam for your child, ongoing care for a chronic condition, or emergency eye treatment, our team makes the process simple, thorough, and stress-free. With direct billing, seniors’ and children’s coverage, and same-day appointments available, protecting your eyesight has never been easier.
Book your next Calgary eye exam today and experience personalized care from Dr. Theo Buzea and the Eye Check team.
