Seeing Clearly: Understanding and Managing Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a vascular disease that interferes with the body’s ability to store and use glucose (sugar). If glucose levels are not well controlled, diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body, including the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is when there is leakage in the blood vessels in the retina, if left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause serious complications to vision.
Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Factors that can influence diabetic retinopathy can include:
Duration of the diabetes
Diabetes that is not well controlled
Type of diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Pregnancy
Family history
Our optometrist at Northbridge Optical recommends a dilated fundus examination annually for all diabetic patients. This comprehensive eye test will allow your optometrist to accurately assess the retina to rule out any eye diseases. Located conveniently located in North Sydney, Northbridge Optical offer bulk-billed eye examinations to all diabetic patients.
How can I prevent diabetic retinopathy?
The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to see your doctor regularly to ensure that your diabetes is well under control. Additionally, you should see your optometrist annually for a routine dilated diabetic eye examination to rule out any eye disease.
If signs of diabetic retinopathy are evident at your eye test, your optometrist may monitor you closely to ensure that your vision is not affected. If needed, your optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist for treatment. At Northbridge Optical, our optometrists work closely with the ophthalmologist at Northern Sydney Cataract who specialise in treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
What to expect at a diabetic eye examination?
We recommend that all diabetic patients have a diabetic eye examination. At this eye test, your optometrist will dilate your pupils to assess the integrity of the blood vessels in your eyes. Your optometrist may also offer a fundus photo which is a photo of the back of the eye. Some optometrists may also offer an OCT-Scan which is a 3D cross-sectional scan of the retina to see if there are any signs of eye diseases. If available, all diabetic patients should have an OCT-Scan as it can highlight diabetic changes such as fluid under retinal layers.
Your optometrist will explain their findings following the eye test. You can ask your optometrist for a report of the dilated diabetic eye examination for your general practitioner. A comprehensive dilated diabetic eye examination should be conducted annually for all diabetic patients. Northbridge Optical offers bulk-billed eye tests to all diabetic patients.
Remember to bring sunglasses to your eye test as your vision may be blurry and sensitive to light afterwards. As your vision will be blurry, it is recommended that you do not drive to your appointment.
References:
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetic-retinopathy
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy