Open Hand from Deafblind UK - Spring 2019 LoRes

A condition:
What is diabetic
retinopathy?
Developing in stages over
time, diabetic retinopathy is
one of the leading causes of
sight loss across the world.
It can affect any age group,
with national screening being
offered from the age of 12
to identify the early signs.
If left untreated it can lead
to blindness, although it
takes several years for the
condition to develop.
What causes
diabetic retinopathy?
Currently affecting around a third
of the diabetic population, diabetic
retinopathy (DR) is a complication
caused by high blood sugar
levels which damages the retina.
The retina is made of cells that
convert light into electric signals,
which are sent to the brain and
turned into images.
To function properly, the
retina needs a constant blood
supply. If the blood sugar is
persistently too high the blood
vessels supplying the retina can
become damaged.
Signs and symptoms
Early stages of DR do not usually
present symptoms, however
you should always seek medical
assistance if you notice:
• nBlurred or patchy vision
• nEye pain or redness
• n“Floaters” – shapes in your
field of vision
• nWorsening vision or sudden
total loss
A human eye
Over time a persistently
high blood sugar level
can damage these blood
vessels. This happens in
three stages:
1 There are small
changes in the eye but
sight is not affected and
treatment is not needed.
There is an increased
risk of future sight loss.
2 There are greater
changes to the eye
including retinal bleeds.
Sight is affected and
diabetic screenings
should increase to every
3-6 months.
3 There are significant
changes in the eye,
bleeds and retinal
detachment. There is
significant sight loss
and treatment can
stabilise but cannot
improve your sight.
Treatment
and prevention
The risk of developing DR can
be reduced by controlling your
blood sugar, blood pressure
and cholesterol levels alongside
taking all prescribed diabetic
medications and living a
generally healthy lifestyle.
(Your GP can give advice about
a healthy lifestyle). Also, ensure
you attend your yearly diabetic
eye screening appointment.
Depending on the severity of
the condition, laser treatments,
eye injections or even eye
surgery may treat DR.
Having a sight test
National charity Diabetes UK offers local support
groups and advice lines, though you should always
consult your GP for medical advice.
18 Open Hand
Open Hand 19