Eye Health
Diabetic eye disease
The tissue, nerve and blood vessel changes that occur in diabetes can affect the body in a number of ways, and the eye is no exception. People with diabetes can experience fluctuating vision, dry eye and difficulty wearing contact lenses, or develop cataracts at a younger age than others.
However, the most important effect that needs to be checked for is diabetic retinopathy - damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of our eyes. Diabetic retinopathy can, if severe enough, lead to blindness. Careful and regular monitoring of eye health is essential to minimise the risks associated with this condition.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy
Some diabetics are at higher risk for eye problems than others. Diabetic retinopathy is more common
- the longer you've had diabetes
- if your bood sugar levels have been very high
- if your blood sugar levels have not been well-controlled - ‘up and down'.
How can Sharpe & Fowler help?
A diabetic eye examination involves checking the vision and the health of the eye. The back of the eye, where diabetic retinopathy is seen is carefully examined. Usually a set of retinal photographs are taken which give us the ability to monitor changes over time. We'll be able to show you the photos on the day, to help explain any changes we see. Your GP will also be sent a copy of our findings for follow-up as needed.
Usually, dilating drops are needed to get the best view of the back of the eye. If you have an appointment for a diabetic review, remember to bring some sunglasses to help reduce the glare afterwards. Either arrange someone else to drive you, or plan to have some time in town until your vision returns to normal.
How often should people with diabetes have their eyes examined?
- Current guidelines recommend that everyone has a diabetic eye examination when they are first diagnosed with diabetes.
- If there are no signs of change in the retina, they should be reviewed again every 1-2 years.
- If changes in the retina are seen, then depending on the severity, review may be more frequent, or they may be referred to an ophthalmologist for treatment.
- If you are diabetic, and feel that there has been a change to your vision, your eyes should be seen promptly even if you are not due for your next review.
Diabetic support and help
Eye Health Facts
Seeing in the dark
Vision in the dark continues to improve for about 30 minutes after being in bright light, as our eyes switch over from the colour-rich, crisp vision of daylight to the less crisp but more sensitive vision of night.
Once the eyes are adapted to dark, their most sensitive area is off to one side of 'straight ahead', making it possible to sense something out of the corner of your eye that disappears when you look straight at it.
Retinal degenerations, a genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa, and Vitamin A deficiency can all reduce night vision.