Diabetic Eye Exams | Kingston & New Minas

Protecting Your Eyes and Vision from Diabetes

Living with diabetes means paying close attention to your overall health, and that includes your eyes. Diabetes can affect the delicate blood vessels in your retina, increasing the risk of vision loss if not monitored and managed early.

At Valley Family Optometry, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams designed to detect subtle changes in your eye health before symptoms appear. With diagnostic imaging and compassionate care, we help you protect your sight and maintain long-term visual wellness.

Book your diabetic eye exam today at our Kingston or New Minas locations and take an active step in preserving your vision.

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Why Diabetic Eye Exams Matter

Diabetes can affect your eyes in several ways, most commonly through diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this can lead to swelling, leakage, or vision loss.

People with diabetes are also at higher risk for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular edema. Because these conditions often develop without early symptoms, annual eye exams are key to protecting your vision and catching problems early.

What to Expect During Your Diabetic Eye Exam

Our diabetic eye exams are gentle, thorough, and tailored to your unique needs. During your visit, our optometrists will:

Review your medical and vision history to understand your current health and blood sugar management.
Evaluate your visual acuity to check for any changes in clarity or prescription.
Assess your retina and optic nerve using advanced imaging technology.
Measure your eye pressure and corneal thickness to screen for glaucoma and other potential concerns.

The exam typically takes less than an hour. You may be asked to bring sunglasses or arrange a ride home if your pupils are dilated for imaging.

Diagnostic Imaging for Diabetic Eye Care

Regular diabetic eye exams rely on more than what we can see through a standard eye test. At Valley Family Optometry, we use specialized imaging technology to capture detailed views of the retina and other internal structures of the eye.

These tools help us identify early signs of diabetic changes, monitor progression, and guide your ongoing care.

Optos imaging captures a panoramic view of your retina in a single image, showing more than 80 percent of its surface. This allows us to detect early retinal changes linked to diabetes, often without the need for dilation.

The process is quick and comfortable, making it easy to monitor your eye health over time.

Fundus photography provides clear, detailed images of your retina, optic nerve, and macula. By saving these photos, we can compare results from year to year to spot subtle changes that might not be visible during a routine eye exam.

This helps us track the long-term effects of diabetes on your vision.

OCT captures cross-sectional images of the retina, giving us a layer-by-layer view of its structure. This painless, noninvasive scan helps us detect swelling, thinning, or fluid buildup that may occur before you notice any changes in your sight.

Measuring your eye pressure helps us assess your risk for glaucoma, a condition that can occur more frequently in people with diabetes. Using a quick, gentle test called tonometry, we can detect changes in pressure that may signal problems with fluid balance inside the eye.

Monitoring your intraocular pressure regularly supports early detection and long-term eye health.

Managing and Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease

Our goal is to work with you and your healthcare team to manage your diabetes and preserve your sight. Along with annual eye exams, you can help protect your vision by:

Maintaining stable blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
Wearing UV-protective eyewear outdoors
Avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy diet
Reporting any changes in vision right away

Even if your vision seems stable, consistent monitoring is essential. Early detection allows for more treatment options and a higher chance of preventing long-term damage. Our team is here to provide ongoing support, answer your questions, and help you see clearly for years to come.

Book your diabetic eye exam today in Kingston or New Minas and take the next step in caring for your vision and overall well-being.

Book Appointment