I am a diabetic...

Q.  I am diabetic but have had very stable blood sugar levels for years now and wonder why I need to get my eyes checked if I’m not having any problems?

A.  Here is some information as to why all diabetic individuals should have routine eye care.  Diabetes can lead to eye complications which can cause severe vision loss and in some cases even blindness.

Diabetic eye disease can include:

  1. Diabetic Retinopathy… damage to the retinal blood vessels.
  2. Cataract… clouding of the lens inside the eye and usually occurs earlier in diabetic individuals.
  3. Glaucoma… pressure increase inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage and loss of side vision.  A person with diabetes is nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma compared to non-diabetic adults.

Of course, individuals whose blood sugar levels are poorly controlled will develop diabetic eye disease more rapidly.  However, diabetic eye disease can occur at any time and in many cases may affect a portion of the eye that does not necessarily correspond with your central vision (and therefore would not notice “any problems”).

Eye examinations for diabetics are OHIP insured so there should be no reasons not to have your eyes examined by a qualified eye health professional.


Dr. Patricia Fink


Millcroft Shopping Centre
2080 Appleby Line, Unit E6
Burlington, Ontario, L7L6M6
Tel: (905) 319-1066