Diabetes and Eye Health: What You Need to Monitor

Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in working-age adults. Regular eye screening and proactive management protect your vision.

How Diabetes Affects Eyes High blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy). It also increases cataract and glaucoma risk.

Diabetic Retinopathy Stages Background: Minor vessel changes, often no symptoms. Pre-proliferative: More significant changes requiring monitoring. Proliferative: New abnormal vessels that can bleed and cause sight loss. Diabetic macular oedema: Fluid at the macula affecting central vision.

Screening Recommendations Annual diabetic retinal screening is essential for all diabetic patients. Additional comprehensive eye tests at an optician provide broader health assessment.

Protecting Your Vision Maintain target blood sugar levels, control blood pressure and cholesterol, do not smoke, attend all screening appointments, and report sudden vision changes immediately.

Wootton Opticians works alongside diabetic screening programmes, offering comprehensive eye examinations for diabetic patients in Northampton and Northamptonshire.