What is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels at the back of the eye.  If this is left untreated then permanent visual loss can occur.

What does diabetes do to the eye?

This eye has reduced vision due to leaking blood vessels at the macula.  Also the peripheral retina has abnormal blood vessel formation, bleeding and scarring.

Both of these problems can lead to blindness if not treated.

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease?

Early on there may be no symptoms. Reduced vision often occurs when severe disease has already occurred.  All newly diagnosed type II diabetics should have their retina checked soon after diagnosis and those with type I diabetes should be checked within five years of onset.

How is Diabetic Eye Disease detected?

Early detection is essential as the earlier the disease is treated the better the results. Your ophthalmologist will check your vision then dilate the pupils with drops.  The Doctor will examine the back of your eye with a microscope, take photos and may arrange further tests.

Do all Diabetics get retinopathy?

Most people with diabetes do not lose vision from diabetic retinopathy.

But those with poor diabetic control or who have had diabetes for a long period of time have higher risks of developing the retinal complications. Other important risk factors include blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated?

Early diabetic retinopathy may be resolved with improved diabetic, blood pressure and cholesterol control. For more advanced disease then laser and injections of medications into the eye may be required. Rarely surgery may also be needed.

Where to go for further information?

Diabetes NZ

Need more information?

Contact Eye Doctors

Southern Cross Affiliated provider benefit to Diabetic Retinopathy Patients

- no need for prior approval

- Southern Cross pays Eye Doctors directly