Eye problems are among the most significant complications of diabetes, which is the most common cause of blindness in?the UK.

Diabetes affects the eye in a number of ways. The most damaging condition occurs when the fine network of blood vessels in the?retina?? the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye ? leak fluid. This is known as diabetic retinopathy.?Cataracts?also develop earlier and progress more rapidly in people with diabetes than in other people. Untreated diabetes may also make cause frequent or noticeable changes to your eyesight.

Serious eye problems are less likely if the diabetes is well controlled or in its early stages. Most sight loss from diabetic eye disease can be prevented if detected early and treated.

How can your optometrist help?

Optometrists have an important role to play in detecting the disease and in monitoring the eyes of people with diabetes once diagnosed. Checking the appearance of the retina with a special lens called a volk lens in combination with a lighting system gives the optometrist a 3D view of the back of your eye and it is?the most commonly used test for diabetic eye problems. Photographs of the retina using our 3D OCT?camera technology may also be used to detect and monitor any abnormalities.

Remember, however, that if your vision is getting worse, this does not necessarily mean you have diabetic retinopathy. It may simply be a problem that can be corrected with spectacles. ?Your optometrist will be able to decide what is causing any reduced vision.

What can be done?

Most sight-threatening diabetic problems can be prevented by laser treatment if it is carried out early enough. It is important to realise, however, that laser treatment aims to save the sight you have ? not to make it better. The laser, a beam of high intensity light, can be focused with extreme precision to seal the blood vessels that are leaking fluid into the retina. If new blood vessels grow, more extensive laser treatment may be needed.