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The effect of diabetes on the eye is called Diabetic Retinopathy. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. The effects of diabetes on the retina are the most serious threat to vision and most people develop changes in the retina after living with diabetes for 15 years or more. Those at risk include Type 1 diabetics, Type 2 diabetics and diabetics who are pregnant.
Diabetics will have regular assessments to determine and monitor eye health. During these assessments, eyes are checked for signs of Diabetic Retinopathy.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Blurred vision (linked to blood sugar levels).
- Floaters and flashers.
- Sudden loss of vision.
There are 4 stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Stage 1 - swelling can occur in the retina's tiny blood vessels.
- Stage 2 - some blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked.
- Stage 3 - more blood vessels can become blocked and the retina sends signals to the
body to grow new blood vessels. - Stage 4 - new blood vessels grow. They have thin and fragile walls which, if they leak blood,
which may lead to vision loss.