What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent cause of new cases of blindness among adults younger than 75. There is approximately 1 million Canadians affected by diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there are increased levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Over time, having too much sugar in your blood can damage your retina – the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain through a nerve in the back of your eye. Increased levels of sugar in the blood can cause the blood vessels in the eye to swell, leak both fluid and blood into the retina, and impact the growth of new blood vessels. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blurry vision, swelling, and in severe cases, blindness. Research has shown that early detection and timely treatment can reduce the risk of vision loss by %95.
The overall risk of blindness is 25 times higher for someone with diabetes. Managing your diabetes by staying physical active, eating healthy, and taking your medicine can also help you prevent or delay vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms at first, but finding it early can help you take steps to protect your vision.
The Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada – Eye Health Screening Initiative aims to reduce the risk of vision loss through community-based screening and the early detection of diabetic retinopathy.
“The earlier that diabetic retinopathy is detected, the easier it is to treat and monitor with better outcomes.”
The Metis Nation of Ontario offers diabetic retinopathy screening in partnership with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada. Through the Eye Health Screening Initiative, we take images of your retina by using a portable, hand-held camera, and upload the images into an automated AI diabetic retinopathy screening software that is approved by Health Canada. Screening results are presented to you immediately, and can be shared with your general practitioner and/or your eye care provider. If needed, a referral is made to Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada who will coordinate a review of your images and process ongoing referrals.
It is important to note that this is a screening tool and not a diagnosis.
Screening occurs at MNO events whereas possible. If you are interested in learning about the next Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in your community, please connect with kellyh@metisnation.org