Diabetes

Being diabetic can increase the risk of eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and dry eye.  These can also occur at an earlier age than normal.  Uncontrolled sugar levels can result in blurred vision and changes in your prescription.  The onset of Diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy occurs with long standing or poorly controlled Diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina (the sensitive layer lining the back of the eye), where the fine retinal blood vessels leak.  These can either appear as small areas of leakage or haemorrhages, or they can progress to larger and more significant changes.  An Optomap scan is ideal for Diabetic patients because it scans a large area of the retinal surface in one go to detect early and advanced changes.  

Diabetic maculopathy

In more advanced stages, you can develop diabetic maculopathy.  This is where your central vision is affected and can result in central vision reduction and loss.  An OCT scan is the perfect tool in helping to detect and diagnose maculopathy.  

Diabetes and the cornea

Diabetes can also reduce corneal sensitivity, meaning delayed detection and healing of conditions such as dry eye and ulcers.

At your annual check-up, your Optometrist will carry out an internal and external examination of your eyes, and may use dilating drops to do this.  They will also carry out standard retinal photography to provide a record for future reference.  An Optomap and OCT scan is recommended for a further detailed examination of your eye health.