print friendly page

Keeping your eyes healthy

All people with diabetes are at risk of developing damage to their eyes as a result of high blood sugar levels. Damage to the eyes is known as diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the small blood vessels at the back of the eye – a part of the eye called the retina. These blood vessels can become blocked or leaky and new blood vessels can grow to replace those that are damaged.

In the early stages, these changes do not cause any symptoms such as pain or loss of sight. However, if unrecognized and left untreated, the damage may get worse and your vision may be affected. Once symptoms are present, it may be more difficult or even impossible to treat your eye condition.

This is why regular eye checks are vital and should be carried out once a year. Screening can spot changes in your eyes at an early stage, long before you are aware of them. Early treatment is very effective at preventing loss of vision in most people. Eye tests by an optician are free for people with diabetes – so let your optician know you have diabetes. You may also be invited to attend for eye screening at your GP Surgery or at your Hospital Diabetes Clinic. Say yes and attend all screening appointments. Better to be safe than sorry.

Also remember, the chance of you developing diabetes-related eye disease is much less if your blood glucose and blood pressure are well controlled and if you don’t smoke. Sounds familiar!!

 
Diabetes eye screening

 

  • In our part of the world, a Mobile Eye Van travels around GP surgeries to take photographs of the back of your eyes using a special camera. Your GP will let you know when it is next visiting your area. These photographs are examined by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) and are kept from year to year for comparison. Photographs can also be taken at the Ulster Hospital Diabetes Clinics.

    All people with diabetes aged 12 years and over should have their eyes screened regardless of how their diabetes is treated and regardless of whether they attend their GP or a hospital diabetes clinic. Only those people who are already attending a hospital eye clinic for treatment of diabetic retinopathy do not need to be screened. You may be invited to attend a specialist eye clinic and be seen by an Ophthalmologist, if the eye photograph is abnormal.

    Here is what happens when you get your eyes screened. Several photographs are taken of the back of each eye using a special camera. The test is painless and takes about 10 minutes. If you are over 45 years of age than eye drops are put in about 15 minutes before the test to make your pupils wider and allow us to get better pictures. The drops may sting for a few seconds when first put in. After about 15 minutes your sight will become a bit blurred and it may be difficult to focus on objects near you. This blurring can last for a few hours. You will not be able to drive until your vision returns to normal and so may need someone to take you home. You may want to take sunglasses with you, as your eyes will be sensitive to light for a few hours following the eye drops.
The news about diabetic retinopathy

 

  • It is a treatable condition

  • Screening is important because early signs of retinopathy do not cause any symptoms

  • Everyone with diabetes should have their eyes examined yearly

  • The test to detect damage is easy and painless and only takes about 15 minutes

  • If diabetic retinopathy is found in the early stages then loss of vision can be prevented

  • Any sudden change in vision should be reported to your doctor immediately