DIABETIC EYE EXAMS:

Diabetes can affect the eye in many ways.  Diabetics can experience huge vision fluctuations over several hours if their blood glucose is very high.  While good diabetic control is always stressed, it is not a guarantee that the eyes will remain problem-free. Diabetic retinopathy at the back of the eye has several stages.  It is important to detect diabetic retinopathy early in order to do everything possible to prevent blindness due to diabetes.  We see our diabetics at least yearly.  Diabetics of all ages are covered for most of their exam under their health card.  Retinal imaging and OCT, which are recommended regularly for all of our diabetics, are not covered by OHIP but may be under private insurance.  

Diabetic exam requires pupil dilation using drops.  Sunglasses and a hat make the trip home easier.