diabetes related concerns

Having diabetes does not mean your sight will be affected, rather that you have a higher risk of sight problems. Well controlled diabetes means you are less likely to experience sight problems but complications can affect the eye and may cause sight loss.Most sight loss due to diabetes can be prevented but it’s vital that it is diagnosed early. For this reason regular eye examinations are extremely important as you may not realise there is anything wrong with your eyes.

Diabetes can affect the network of the

blood vessels within your retina and this is known as diabetic retinopathy. There are three main stages of diabetic retinopathy: background diabetic retinopathy – common in long term diabetics, blood vessels in the eye are mildly affected maculopathy – occurs when background diabetic retinopathy becomes more severe, affecting central vision gradually but progressively proliferative diabetic retinopathy – here the eye condition worsens and blood vessels in the retina become blocked. New blood vessels form on the eye but they are weak and in the wrong place, bleeding easily and causing the build up of scar tissue in the eye. The build up of scarring causes retinal detachment which occurs when the retina is pulled out of position.

Laser treatment is used to treat most sight-threatening problems associated with diabetic retinopathy. However, laser treatment only preserves the sight you have as opposed to make it better.

Temporary blurring and cataracts are also associated with diabetes. Find more detailed information visit the RNIB website.

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