Diabetes

Retinopathy is the term used when the fine network of blood vessels in the retina become affected. Early diagnosis of these changes is vital. People with diabetes need to have their eyes examined at least every year. People with diabetes are also at higher risk of cataract and glaucoma, especially if they are aged 40 and over. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy:

• Background diabetic retinopathy - occurs when some of the retinal capillaries become blocked and leaky. With time they will become fragile and tend to haemorrhage. Background retinopathy is usually asymptotic and is not sight threatening at this stage. It is important to have regular eye examinations so that changes can be monitored. This condition is more common in people who have had diabetes for a long time.
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is rarer and often found in people who have had diabetes for many years. Damaged blood vessels reduce the blood supply to retina, causing fragile new blood vessels to develop on its surface. These new blood vessels can haemorrhage very easily leading to formation of scar tissue. This contracting scar tissue can detach the retina causing sudden worsening of vision, or blurred and patchy sight loss. If detected, scar tissue contraction can be avoided.

If carried out early enough, laser treatment is often effective in preventing further sight loss for most sight-threatening diabetic eye problems. However, treatment aims to save the existing sight it will not make it better. Good control of diabetes can help slow the onset and progression of retinopathy.

Regular eye tests by an optician will help to monitor any changes that might occur due to diabetes.