Many Australians lose part or all of their sight as a result of diabetes.

This happens because nearly half of all Australians with diabetes aren’t having regular diabetes eye checks.

There are a number of reasons for this. Managing diabetes can be difficult and requires a range of different health checks. Some people don’t know they need to get their eyes checked. Others struggle to fit it into their busy lives.

We want to make it easier for people with diabetes to have regular diabetes eye checks.

That’s why we’ve established KeepSight – a new eye check reminder program for people with diabetes.

Eye health

• If you have diabetes, it is likely that you will develop some changes to your eyes
• Diabetes sometimes causes the focusing ability of the eye to weaken or to vary from day-to-day however; this problem eases when blood glucose levels are stable
• Diabetes can also cause vision loss from diabetic retinopathy (damage to the very small blood vessels on 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 blood glucose levels are not well controlled over time. Good blood glucose levels and blood pressure, and regular comprehensive eye examinations can greatly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but it does not eliminate it.

Diabetic retinopathy can occur regardless of the type of diabetes you have, your age, or even the control you have over your blood-glucose 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 checked from when diabetes is first diagnosed, and then regularly checked every two years.

Symptoms diabetic retinopathy

If you notice any changes in your vision contact your doctor. Some examples of symptoms of Diabetic retinopathy include:

• Blurred, distorted or patchy vision that can’t be corrected with prescription glasses
• Problems with balance, reading, watching television and recognising people
• Being overly sensitive to glare
• Difficulty seeing at night

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy there may be no symptoms and the disease may not be diagnosed until it is advanced.

Double vision

This is a rare complication of diabetes. Double vision is usually temporary but it may last for a few months. An optometrist can help treat it while it has effect. Diabetes is not the only cause of double vision.

Glaucoma

In Australia, more than 300,000 people live with glaucoma, also known as the ‘silent thief of sight’. Glaucoma is when the main nerve in your eye thins, causing loss of your side vision. If left untreated it can cause tunnel vision/blindness. It’s estimated over 50% of people who develop the condition don’t know they have it until it’s too late.

Although anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at greater risk. Diabetes is one of these risk factors.

Learn more about glaucoma here.

Looking after your eyes

To look after your eyes and help prevent vision loss:

• Have your eyes checked regularly, at least every two years, to pick up early signs of damage
• Control your blood glucose levels
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• If your vision has been affected, seek treatment from your doctor to stop it from getting worse

Who can test your eyes?

Initially your doctor may test your eyes and if needed refer you to an optometrist or a specialist.

Treatment

If the damage is detected before it has affected your sight, treatment can prevent vision loss. Where vision loss has already occurred, treatment can only stop it from getting worse.

For more information contact:

• the Optometrists Association of Australia
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists