Protect Your Vision From Diabetic Complications
Recent studies suggest that 1 in 3 Canadians lives with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Diabetes can impact your overall health and your vision along with it.
Many people are aware of how diabetes impacts overall health but don’t always consider its ocular impacts—diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults.
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing vision problems. We recommend that kids and adults with diabetes have annual, comprehensive eye exams. Taking a proactive approach to health is important, especially if you’re dealing with diabetes.
Book your diabetic eye appointment today, and let us help you preserve your sight!
Request AppointmentWhat Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that impacts the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates your body’s blood sugar levels.
When you eat, most of your food is broken down into glucose (sugar) and travels through the bloodstream. An increase in the amount of sugar in the bloodstream signals the pancreas to release insulin, which in turn lets the sugar into your cells. If you have diabetes, your body either does not make insulin or doesn’t use it properly.
Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to various health issues, including vision problems. Even if you don’t notice any change in your vision, it’s still important to have your eyes examined regularly. Book your appointment today.
How Does Diabetes Affect Vision?
Diabetes can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness, so it’s important to book an annual eye exam to check for any changes.
Visual issues caused by diabetes may include conditions like blurry vision, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema.
Blurry Vision
Your body adjusting to diabetes medication or changes in your health routine can lead to blurry vision.
Elevated blood sugar can lead to a buildup of fluid in the eyes and cause the eye’s lens to swell. Normally, the extra fluid is temporary, and your eyes will return to normal as your blood sugar stabilizes. But you should still visit your optometrist to rule out more serious issues.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. The blood vessels in your retina swell as blood sugar levels elevate.
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, blurry vision is a common symptom. As the condition progresses, it gets more serious. Blood vessels break and bleed, leaking into the macula and causing vision loss.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema occurs when the macula swells. The macula is responsible for your central vision, so impairment can impact the ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces. This condition is quite serious and can lead to blindness.
Book Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today!
If you have diabetes, getting your eyes examined regularly can help protect your sight. Close examination of the retina can help to detect any early signs of serious vision problems. Book regular diabetic eye exams to protect your family’s eye health.
Request AppointmentOur Location
Visit Us
Find us on the corner of Main Street and Beaver Lake Road. We are accepting new patients and looking forward to welcoming you and your family.
Our Address
- 49-9522 Main Street
- Lake Country, BC V4V 2L9
Contact Information
- Phone: 250-766-4240
- Fax: 250-766-4267
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Our Brands
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make glasses with an external prescription?
Yes, we accept all prescriptions for glasses that have not expired. If your prescription is expired or you need to have your prescription assessed, we are more than happy to book you an appointment with one of our doctors for an exam.
How long does it take for glasses to arrive?
We make glasses in-house, and it takes around 3 hours for us to edge the lenses into your frame of choice. If glasses need to be ordered in, they typically take around 7 to 10 business days. Specialty orders may take longer to arrive. Our optical will do our best to give you an accurate time estimate and have your glasses made as soon as we can.
What is included in a full eye exam?
A full eye exam includes the following:
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- A comprehensive ocular and medical history check-up to identify or assess your risk factors for certain eye diseases
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- A vision check and prescription for glasses, if warranted
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- Binocular vision testing to check how your eyes are functioning together
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- A measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) on all patients
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- An optomap scan of your retina on all patients
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- An OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan for adults
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- A comprehensive eye health check in the office by the doctor
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- If warranted, your eye doctor may recommend a visual field test to better assess peripheral vision in association with the use of medications with risk of harmful effects on vision
What is the cost of an eye exam?
Children (18 and under), seniors (65+), or those with certain medical conditions are eligible for medical services plan (MSP) coverage. MSP covers part of the eye exam and visual field tests (think of it like insurance), lowering the total cost of the exam you/your insurance is responsible for. We do not charge for children age 2 and under.
A patient is NOT eligible for MSP coverage if:
- You are from out of province
- Not registered with BC medical
- If you have had an eye exam elsewhere within the past year
| Service | Full Cost | If MSP Billable |
| Adult Eye Exam (19+) | $152 | $105 |
| Adult Contact Lens Wearer Eye Exam (19+) | $167 | $120 |
| Child Eye Exam (2-18) | $85 | $30 |
| Child Contact Lens Wearer Eye Exam (2-18) | $100 | $45 |
Do you do LASIK co-management?
Yes, we are more than happy to be a part of your LASIK journey. We are pleased to offer post-op follow-ups.
Can you direct bill my insurance?
Yes, we can directly bill most insurance companies. If your insurance company is not eligible for direct billing, we will provide you with a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement.
What do I need to bring to my eye exam?
Please bring a list of medications, your glasses and contact lenses (or your last prescription), and any forms that need to be completed.
How long is an eye exam?
Full eye exams are usually between 30 to 45 minutes.
Do I have to be dilated during the exam?
Our office offers wide-field retinal imaging with the optomap machine on all patients who are physically able to. The optomap scan provides a 200-degree image of the retina (inside lining of the eye).
In certain cases, dilation is still recommended to better assess the retina and check for cataracts and other ocular diseases. If you are dilated, we encourage bringing a driver with you so you feel more safe on the way home.
Our Google Reviews
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Lake Country Optometry
- 49-9522 Main Street
- Lake Country, BC V4V 2L9
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P: 250-766-4240
[email protected]