Diabetic Eye Exams
in Surrey

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Diabetic Eye Exams at West Coast Optical

If you’re living with diabetes, your eyes need a little extra attention. Diabetes can quietly affect your vision long before you notice any changes, which is why regular, comprehensive eye exams are so important.

At West Coast Optical, we take a proactive approach to diabetic eye health. Our team uses modern technology to detect early signs of diabetic eye disease, helping you stay ahead of potential problems and make confident decisions about your care.

Whether you’ve been managing diabetes for years or were recently diagnosed, we’re here to support your vision with personalized, compassionate care. Book your diabetic eye exam today and take the next step in protecting your long-term vision.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Without enough insulin or with insulin resistance, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream and begins to damage vital organs, including the eyes.

There are different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Genetics, lifestyle, and overall health all play a role in how the disease develops and progresses.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes & Vision

Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada, yet many people don’t experience symptoms until the damage is advanced. Nearly 11.5 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes and are at increased risk for vision loss.

Annual eye exams help monitor changes in the retina and detect signs of disease before they affect your vision. If you have diabetes, our optometrists may recommend more frequent monitoring depending on your health and risk factors.

Diabetes can affect your vision in different ways.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye condition that occurs when elevated blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. The vessels can swell, leak, or close off completely. Over time, this can lead to blurred vision, floaters, and even permanent blindness.

In advanced cases, new abnormal vessels form—a condition called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These new vessels are fragile and prone to leaking, leading to scar tissue, macular damage, and potential retinal detachment.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

When fluid leaks into the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision, diabetic macular edema can occur. If left untreated, this condition can significantly impair central vision and reduce quality of life.

Glaucoma

People with diabetes are also at greater risk of developing glaucoma. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels block the normal drainage of eye fluid, increasing eye pressure and damaging the optic nerve over time.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

In the early stages of diabetic eye disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms. That’s why routine eye exams are so important, even if your vision seems fine. As the disease progresses, you may begin to notice:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Eye floaters or dark spots
  • Impaired colour perception
  • Vision loss in one or both eyes

If you experience any of these signs, don’t wait—book an eye exam as soon as possible.

Diagnostic Imaging for Diabetic Eye Care

At West Coast Optical, we use modern technology to help detect early signs of diabetic eye disease, often before you notice any changes in your vision.

Our diabetic eye exams may include:

  • Retinal camera: Captures detailed images of the back of the eye to spot early signs of diabetic retinopathy, like tiny leaks or swelling.
  • OCT (optical coherence tomography): Provides cross-sectional scans of the retina to detect fluid buildup and monitor conditions like diabetic macular edema.

These tools help us monitor your eye health with precision, so we can catch issues early and protect your sight long-term.

Get the Peace of Mind of a Diabetic Eye Exam

Your eyes deserve the same care and attention as the rest of your health. At West Coast Optical, we provide thorough, compassionate diabetic eye care tailored to your needs. Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or were recently diagnosed, we’re here to support your vision and wellness.

Healthy vision starts with proactive care—contact us to book your diabetic eye exam today.

Stylish Frames,
Personalized Care

We’ve been helping families find their perfect pair for generations. Whether you’re choosing your very first frames or coming in for your tenth pair, we’re here to make sure you see clearly and feel great doing it.

With frames from Ray-Ban, Etnia Barcelona, Maui Jim and more, there’s something for everyone. Our licensed opticians take the time to understand your needs, so you leave with lenses that suit your lifestyle and frames that fit just right.

Stop by our Surrey location and experience eyewear that puts people first.

Come Visit Us in Surrey

Find us right on the Fraser Highway near the Surrey/Langley border, one block from Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley! We have plenty of available parking directly in front of the practice.

Our Address

  • 102B 19475 Fraser Hwy
  • Surrey, BC V3S 6K7

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