Diabetic Eye Exam
Saskatchewan Health Cards cover diabetic exams yearly.
Diabetes is a systemic condition that can negatively impact your eye health and vision. Individuals with diabetes should have their vision and eye health monitored closely. Under the Saskatchewan Health Card individuals with type 1 or 2 diabetes are covered once a year for their diabetic eye health exams.
Individuals with diabetes have a higher chance of developing many serious conditions if left untreated. These conditions include:
- Diabetic macular edema
Is an accumulation of fluid in the macula which is the part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities. If left untreated it will cause central vision loss.
- Diabetic Retinopathy
Is a complication that damages the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissues at the back of the eye. If left untreated it will cause vision loss.
- Cataracts
Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts then someone who doesn’t have diabetes. Cataracts make your vision hazy or blurred similar to looking through a cloudy piece of glass.
- Glaucoma
Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as someone without diabetes.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma don’t typically show symptoms until they are in the more advanced stages. Yearly diabetic eye exams will detect change at an earlier stage so any problems can be managed sooner.
