Diabetic Retinopathy is a form of diabetic eye disease causing the small blood vessels of the retina to leak and bleed inside your eye. If you have suffered from Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes for many years, and / or you have kidney disease, then you have a far greater risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy.

If you have difficulty making out the finer details of things whilst you are watching TV or reading because you are having trouble focussing, you have blurred, hazy and/or double vision, you have trouble seeing at night or in low light, your sight is changing often and your eyes are sensitive to glare and light, then you really need to see your Optometrist, GP or Dr Goodrich (if you have a current referral) as soon as you can, because 98% of severe vision loss if you are suffering with Diabetic Retinopathy can be prevented with early detection and treatment.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious, sight-threatening disease that affects the blood vessels inside the retina.

It is the most common form of blindness in Australians under the age of 50.

There are three main types:

• Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetic Macular Oedema

What are the symptoms?

The danger with diabetic retinopathy is that there are no early-stage signs.

Late-stage symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision that makes it difficult to read, watch television or recognise faces

• Increased sensitivity to glare and difficulty seeing at night

• Eye strain and headaches

To ensure early detection and prevention it is crucial to have regular eye examinations at least once a year if you are at risk.