Diabetes and eyes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of eye disease. These include problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.  In this video, patients 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 damaging effects of diabetes on the back of the eye due to high blood glucose levels which can occur due to 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 below to find out more:

If it is not detected early, diabetic retinopathy can lead to a reduction in vision and subsequently loss of vision, if left untreated. Diabetes retinopathy is known to be one of the leading causes of blindness.

Eye screening is a recommended part of diabetes care and it allows the early stages of retinopathy to be detected. If you have type 2 diabetes and haven’t had your eyes screened, discuss this with your doctor.  For further information on eye screening please see the following links:

Scotland: NHS National Services Scotland Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) site

England: Public Health England Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is through good diabetes control which we’ll discuss more later.