Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in Canada. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and are twice as likely to develop glaucoma, but diabetes’ effect on the retina is the main threat to vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that develops when the blood vessels in your retina become damaged. As the condition worsens, the patient will begin to lose vision.
People with diabetes should have annual eye exams. In many provinces these exams may be covered in whole or in part by your province’s health insurance plan.