Diabetes and your eyes
The most common diabetes-related problem
Diabetes can damage the very small blood vessels on the back of the eye. The medical name for this damage is diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to loss of vision, even blindness.
Who is at risk?
If you have diabetes, you are at risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. This is the case regardless of the type of diabetes you have, your age, or even the control you have over your blood glucose levels. It is why everyone who has diabetes should have their eyes checked regularly—when diabetes is first diagnosed, and then at least every 2 years after that.
Looking after your eyes
There are 3 simple steps you need to take to look after your eyes and help prevent vision loss.
- Have your eyes checked regularly to pick up early signs of damage so it can be treated before vision loss occurs.
- Control your blood-glucose levels and make sure your diet is low in fat.
- If your vision has been affected, seek treatment to stop it from getting worse.
Who can test your eyes?
Your doctor may conduct the test, ask you to visit an optometrist or refer you to a specialist.
The importance of early detection
If the damage is detected before it has affected your sight, treatment can prevent vision loss. Where vision loss has already occurred, treatment can only stop it from getting worse.
How diabetic retinopathy affects your vision
- At first you see normally.
- Then you may experience blurred, distorted or patchy vision that can't be corrected with prescription glasses.
- You may have problems with balance, reading, watching television and recognizing people.
- You can be overly sensitive to glare.
- You may have difficulty seeing at night.
Last Reviewed: 08 July 2003
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