There are an estimated 4 million people living with Diabetes in the UK which accounts for 6% of the population. What is shocking is that scientists predict that around 549,000 people in the UK have diabetes which is yet to be diagnosed.
EYE HEALTH:
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it is likely that you will develop changes to your eye health and vision.
Diabetes sometimes causes the focusing ability of the eye to weaken or vary from day to day, however this problem eases when blood glucose levels stabilise.
Diabetes can also cause vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. (damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye)
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY:
The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases with the length of time you have had diabetes. The risk is also increased when sugar levels are not well controlled over time, good sugar levels, well controlled diet and regular eye examinations can greatly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but it does not eliminate it.
Diabetic retinopathy can occur regardless of what type of diabetes you have, your age or even the control you have over your blood sugar levels. It’s best to have regular eye examinations so that changes can be detected and treated early. People who have diabetes should have their eyes examined from the moment of diagnoses and then checked regularly once a year.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES:
To look after your eyes and prevent vision loss you should:
Attend your routine eye examination every year.
Control your blood sugar levels.
Eat a balanced healthy diet.
Consult your Optometrist should you experience any changes in your vision or your eye health, so that it can be treated quickly.
TREATMENT:
If damage is detected before it starts to affect your vision, it can be treated to make sure the damage does not get worse which in turn can prevent vision loss.
At Direct Eyecare we communicate with your GP and keep them updated on our findings from your eye examination. This is so we can provide you with the best possible care.
If you are concerned about your eye health, have any questions or would like to book an appointment please feel free to contact us by calling any of the numbers below, our friendly staff would be happy to help you.
Grangetown, Cardiff: 02920 343 917
Clifton Street, Cardiff: 02920 480 600
Stapleton Road, Bristol: 01179 556 100
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