Screening for diabetic retinopathy

This section focuses on diabetic retinopathy:

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy affects a person's sight by damaging the small blood vessels at the back of the eye. It is a common complication of diabetes which can, if left untreated, lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. Early detection and treatment can significantly lower the risk of loss of vision.

All people with diabetes risk developing retinopathy, however the risk increases if a person:

  • has had diabetes for a long time
  • does not control their blood glucose levels
  • has high blood pressure
  • is pregnant
  • is taking insulin.

The risks of developing diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by:

  • controlling blood glucose levels
  • having regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
  • attending regular (annual) screening appointments
  • seeking advice from health care professionals
  • not smoking.

Laser treatment can be used to treat retinopathy. If it is diagnosed early enough, ideally before a person's vision has been affected, in 80 per cent of cases any further loss of sight can be prevented. However, laser therapy cannot restore any vision which has already been lost. For more information visit Diabetes UK: retinopathy (eyes).

Annual retinal screening checks should pick up the earliest signs of retinopathy and are essential for everyone with diabetes. The key issues, examples of good practice and case studies below discuss some of these points further.

References

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