Diabetes and eyes

Diabetes can affect an individual’s eyesight in a number of ways. In this video, people with diabetes share their experience of diabetes-related eye problems and the common eye complications of diabetes are discussed.

A long-term complication that can occur in people who have diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the term used to describe the detrimental effects of diabetes on the back of the eye due to high blood glucose levels which can occur as a consequence of poorly controlled diabetes.

The retina is the structure at the back of the eye necessary for vision where light is focused. The retina is supplied by very small blood vessels, and when blood glucose is higher than normal for a prolonged time, damage to these vessels can occur. Quality of vision can be compromised as a result of this damage.

The video below covers diabetic retinopathy, the symptoms it can cause, and the screening programme currently in place to detect it. Watch to find out more.