Diabetes can cause complications which affect different parts of your body, including your eyes. The two main types of diabetes mellitus are known as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
This type of diabetes commonly occurs before the age of 30 and is the result of the body producing little or no insulin. It is primarily controlled by insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes
This type of diabetes commonly occurs after the age of 40. The body produces some insulin, but the amount is either not sufficient or the body is not able to make proper use of it. It is generally controlled by diet, exercise and or tablets.
Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of different ways:
- Diabetic Retinopathy is the most serious eye condition associated with diabetes and involves leakage from the network of blood vessels supplying the retina.
- Blurred Vision can come and go over the day, especially when diabetes is uncontrolled, due to unusual changes in your blood sugar levels.
- Cataracts can form as longer term effect of diabetes when the lens goes cloudy.
Annual Diabetic Screening
If you have diabetes your GP should arrange for you to have annual retinal screening at a recommended clinic.
At this visit you will have eye drops put into your eyes which dilate the pupil and an enhanced and magnified photo is taken using a digital retinal camera. This is looked at in detail to see if there are any changes caused by diabetes.
*You should NOT drive home from this screening.
If you are concerned with your eyesight and want to have a consultation with your local optometrist, please visit the practice to make an appointment or call to speak to one of our staff members on 0115 933 2999.