Diabetes
People with diabetes are at risk of blindness and loss of vision because of the disease. There are 200,000 people with diabetes in New Zealand. Diabetes causes changes in the cells of the retina that result in weakness in the walls of the blood vessels. These tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye begin to bulge and leak, oozing blood into the eye. Cellular changes can also cause fats and fluid to leak into surrounding tissue. Resulting damage to the eyes can lead to permanent loss of vision.
Are you at risk?
If you have diabetes you need to have your eyes examined regularly.
What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
- As the disease progresses you will notice rapid changes in vision
- Difficulty in achieving stable vision
- Sensitivity to glare
- Reduced night vision
With regular examinations any threats to your sight can be detected and treated promptly minimising the risk of permanent loss of vision.
Learn more here
