Saskatoon, SK / (306) 653-2993
3067005396
Saskatoon, SK / (306) 653-2993
Diabetes can increase your risk of various eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetes can also cause diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, which can all lead to blindness if left untreated.
Annual eye exams are crucial to patients with diabetes. The Government of Saskatchewan covers the cost of annual eye examinations for Saskatchewan residents who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
If you have diabetes, it is important to communicate this to your optometrist at your annual eye exam. While the basics of your eye exam will be the same, we will also make sure to run additional tests for diseases associated with diabetes. These additional tests include examining the cornea, iris, lens, retina, macula, and optic nerve for any irregularities. We use advanced imaging technology to see into your eyes in order to detect early signs of eye disease.
The OptomapⓇ Retinal Exam takes an ultra-widefield image of your retina. The procedure is completely painless and only takes seconds. We use the image produced to detect retinal tears, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. We keep the images on file for future reference.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) uses light waves to produce a cross-sectional image of your eye. In 5 minutes, this method gives us an image of the many layers that make up your retina. We use this image to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your eyes, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
Frequency doubling technology (FDT) is used to assess your visual field. Combined with the results of other tests, this peripheral vision testing can help us detect glaucoma, a disease associated with diabetes. Using tests like the FDT Matrix allow us to catch and treat vision issues early.
Diseases, like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, are specifically associated with diabetes, and can result in blindness if left untreated.
Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels which can damage your blood vessels. When blood vessels are damaged, your body tries to replace them, particularly the tiny blood vessels in your retinas. Often times, these new blood vessels are fragile and are likely to bleed or hemorrhage, causing Diabetic Retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious concern and, if left untreated, can cause blindness.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) happens when fluid leaks under and around the macula. Common symptoms include trouble making out fine details and faces.
In severe cases, Diabetic Macular Edema can cause loss of central vision and blindness.
The Government of Saskatchewan covers your annual eye exam if you have type I or type II diabetes. If you require care in addition to your annual exam, we direct bill to the following providers:
Broadway Eyecare is conveniently located on the corner of Broadway & Main Street, just around the corner from Oskayak High School.
| Monday: | Closed, but we’d be happy to see you at Stonebridge Eyecare, Pinehouse Eyecare, Warman Eyecare, Brighton Eyecare, Invision Eyecare, or Northernlights Eyecare! |
| Tuesday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (with the exception of long weekends) |
| Sundays: | Closed |
| Holidays & Long Weekends: | Closed |
We understand that life is busy, and it isn’t always convenient to take time out of your workday to visit your optometrist. To help serve you better, we offer Saturday appointments and have extended hours on Thursdays.
