#22 | You Can Go Blind From Diabetes

Eye Care Tip of the Week #22

You can go blind from diabetes. 

No seriously, you can. In fact, diabetes is the number one (#1) cause of vision loss in the working age population. Meaning, that it's not just an 'old' person problem as some patient would like to believe. 

There is also no 'good' type of diabetes; it doesn't matter if you have Type-1 (Insulin Dependent), Type-2 (Non-Insulin Dependent) or gestational diabetes, all versions of the condition can contribute towards the development of diabetic eye disease. 

As such, every patient with Type-1, Type-2, gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes should be seen every year by an optometrist for a dilated retinal examination. Why? Because early detection is still the best treatment we have.

Bonus. Medically necessary visits such as diabetic retinal examinations are covered under Alberta Health Care when you visit your optometrist's office. You can learn more about the services we offer by visiting our eye exams | diabetic eye care page on our website. 

Remember you can use your Alberta Health Care card for prevention, not just acute treatment. 

This Eye Care Tip of the Week is brought to you by Stonewire. 

#9 | August 29, 2017

Eye Care Tip of the Week #9

Stop smoking cigarettes. No seriously, just stop. 

Most people know smoking cigarettes isn't good for them. 

Most people also know smoking cigarettes has been associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, pulmonary or breathing problems and cancer. 

But most people are shocked to learn that smoking can contribute to blindness. 

If you smoke, you have an increased risk of developing certain eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.  

There is never going to be a better time to quit smoking than right now. The sooner you quit the sooner your body can start to repair itself. 

If you need help quitting, talk to your family physician or visit the AlbertaQuits.ca website. 

This Eye Care Tip of the Week is brought to by: Dr. Ross McKenzie