What happens when my diabetic screening shows damage to my eyes?
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is especially important to look after your eye health. Diabetes can increase your risk of a range of complications related to your vision, including cataracts and glaucoma, as well as diabetic retinopathy, which is characterised by progressive damage to your retinas. This is why it is especially important for people with diabetes to see their optometrist frequently to check on their eye health. Because diabetic retinopathy is progressive, once damage has been done to your eyes, it cannot be undone.
However, regular monitoring and proactive lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of this damage and safeguard your vision and eye health. If your diabetic screening shows the beginning of damage to your eyes, your optometrist will review your treatment options and help you create a plan to prevent further problems. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to take preventative action by simply taking greater control over the treatment of your diabetes. Ensuring your insulin levels are regulated, and keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in check will safeguard your overall physical health, as well as your eye health.
If the damage is more extensive, your optometrist may advise further action. Surgery may be required to seal leaking blood vessels in your retinas, or to treat macular edema - a fluid build-up that can cause blurred vision. A vitrectomy or laser treatment procedure may also be required if the damage to your eyes is more extensive.Your optometrist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend a treatment option that suits your individual circumstances. Booking an appointment is the best way to take charge of your eye health and safeguard your vision for the future.