Diabetes related eye disease is the leading cause of vision loss in adults of working age (20-65) in industrialised countries. 5.4% of females and 4% of males in the Repubic of Ireland have been diagnosed as having diabetes. 74% of those who have diabetes for over 10 years will develop diabetic eye disease.

Types of Diabetes:

There are two main types of Diabetes, early onset (Type I) and late onset (Type II). Both forms of Diabetes can cause damage inside the eye. The damage caused by Diabetes inside the eye may be seen by your optometrist before you ever notice any symptoms yourself. Early intervention is essential to avoid visual loss.

Diabetes sometimes causes vision to fluctuate from day to day or throughout the day. This symptom can often be the first indicator for an optometrist that a patient could have diabetes. If diabetes is diagnosed, good blood sugar control should stabilise vision. Over time, particularly in poorly controlled diabetes, serious retinal damage can occur.

Diabetic retinopathy:

After diabetes has been present for some years, changes may occur at the back of the eye in the retina. These changes are known as diabetic retinopathy. There are two main types of this condition: non-proliferative (sometimes called background) retinopathy and proliferative retinopathy. The risk of developing retinopathy increases with the length of time you have had diabetes. The risk is also increased when there is poor control of blood sugar levels. As diabetic retinopathy develops, blood vessels at the back of the eye leak and if left untreated a person could lose their sight altogether.

Whilst not all those with Diabetes will develop Diabetic Eye Disease, it is essential to have     regular eye tests to examine behind your eye even if you feel your eyesight is "fine and clear". Often your optometrist or ophthalmologist will put some drops in your eyes to “dilate” them, which makes the pupil larger and allows a more detailed examination of the back of your eye.

  Simulated inmage of what someone with diabetic retinopathy might see

The best way to attempt to avoid developing diabetic eye disease is to maintain blood sugar levels at advised by your doctor and attend for regular check ups. It is also recommended that you see your optometrist at least annually for a dilated eye examination.

Treatment:

Diabetic retinopathy will often be treated with a laser, which helps to stop leakage from the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Regular eye examinations and good control of blood sugar levels should help reduce the likelihood of this treatment being necessary.

For more information- Diabetes Association of Ireland

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