Diabetic Eye Exams | Downtown Eye Care

Prioritize Your Vision with a Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetes can affect your vision long before you notice any changes. That’s why routine diabetic eye exams are so important. At Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department, we use imaging technology to catch early signs of damage, so you can take action before your sight is at risk.

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or managing diabetes for years, we’re here to help you stay ahead of complications and protect your long-term eye health.

Annual eye exams are recommended for people with diabetes. Your eye care professional will examine your eyes to check for any early signs of eye disease related to damage caused by high blood sugar. Book your diabetic eye exam today and give your eyes the care they deserve.

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Why Diabetic Eye Exams Matter

Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar. Over time, it can harm the blood vessels in your eyes, especially in the retina, where vision is formed. Without regular monitoring, conditions like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema can progress silently and lead to permanent vision loss. You are also at risk of developing other complications such as early cataracts and corneal swelling.

Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or were recently diagnosed, annual diabetic eye exams are key to early detection and intervention.

What to Expect During Your Diabetic Eye Exam

Your diabetic eye exam will go beyond a standard vision check. We assess the health of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels using noninvasive, high-resolution imaging.

Our diagnostic tools include:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A cross-sectional scan of your retina that allows us to detect swelling, fluid buildup, and early structural changes that may signal diabetic macular edema.
Fundus photography: Captures detailed images of the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. This helps track even the smallest vascular changes over time.
Dilated eye exams: Eye drops are used to widen your pupils, giving us a better view of the retina and allowing for a thorough evaluation of the eye’s internal structures.

These tools allow us to establish a clear baseline and monitor your eyes closely for changes year over year.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Diabetic eye conditions often progress without pain or noticeable symptoms. However, if you notice any of the following, book an eye exam right away:

Blurred or fluctuating vision
Sudden loss of vision
Flashes of light
Dark spots, blotches, or floaters in your vision

The earlier we detect a problem, the more options we have to preserve your sight.

Your Eyes Deserve Attention

Living with diabetes means staying proactive about your health, including your vision. At Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department, we combine diagnostic technology with personalized care to help you stay one step ahead of diabetic eye disease.

Our goal is to detect changes early, support your overall health, and give you the confidence to manage your vision long term.

Take control of your eye health today. Book your diabetic eye exam with our trusted team in downtown Ottawa.

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Come visit our team

We’re located in Suite 216 in the 350 Sparks Street Office. We share an underground parking garage with the Hilton Garden Inn at 361 Queen Street. The parking garage can be accessed via Queen Street.