Let’s not sugar coat it: regular eye examinations critical in diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease
It's National Diabetes Week and Aussies diagnosed with the health condition are being reminded to book in regular appointments with their optometrist, with up to 1 in 3 of those living with diabetes likely to develop some form of diabetic eye disease during their lifetime.
According to a report into diabetic eye disease in Australia commissioned by the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, it is estimated more than two million Australians will be living with diabetes by 2025.
With eye disease being one of the most common complications of the condition, the importance of people living with diabetes taking proactive measures with their eye health cannot be overstated.
“Uncontrolled high blood sugar can result in eye damage long before symptoms appear, meaning consistent visits to an optometrist for those with diabetes is crucial in preventing permanent vision loss or blindness,” said Luke Arundel, Optometry Australia’s Chief Clinical Officer.
Diabetic retinopathy can be treated if detected in its early stages
Alarmingly, diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of blindness in working age Australians.
“Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the retina and while there is no absolute cure for the condition, if diagnosed early it can be treated and treatment works exceptionally well in preventing, delaying or reducing vision loss,” said Mr Arundel.
“Surprisingly, there are often no warning signs of diabetic retinopathy when it first develops, and irreversible damage can occur without symptoms – your eyes may seem fine which is why having regular eye exams is critical to early diagnosis and intervention.”
As it progresses, symptoms of undiagnosed diabetic retinopathy may include floaters and blurriness in the eyes, dim areas of vision and difficulty perceiving colours before progressing to more serious vision loss and, potentially, blindness.
Australians with diabetes are encouraged to visit their optometrist yearly for a full, dilated eye exam.
In addition to diabetic retinopathy, other eye conditions like cataracts, dry eye disease, and some types of glaucoma, are also more commonly experienced by those living with diabetes.
An optometrist will test for and detect any of these conditions that may also be present as part of a comprehensive eye examination.
A Snapshot: Diabetic Eye Disease
- Most Australians with diabetes will develop some form of eye disease in their lifetime.
- Having regular, comprehensive eye examinations could pick up diabetic eye disease early, potentially saving your eyesight.
- Eye saw it first - optometrists are capable of spotting diabetes related markers in patients who are unaware they even have the condition.
- Almost everyone with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes will develop some form of diabetic eye disease within 20 years of diagnosis.
- Diabetes can affect many parts of the eyes in several ways, with symptoms increasing in severity as the illness progresses.
- Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of blindness in working age Australians, damaging blood vessels in the retina, causing them to rupture and bleed.
To book in your next eye examination, use our Find an Optometrist search tool to locate your nearest optometrist today.
