Focusing on DIABETES

We take a closer look at the impact of the disease on eye health

It’s a little-known fact that diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in New Zealand. That means 300,000 Kiwis living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk of losing their vision.

Diabetes New Zealand’s biggest campaign, Diabetes Action Month, aims to raise awareness for the largest and fastest-growing condition in the country. This year, the charity’s campaign, which runs throughout November, focuses on eye health and highlights the importance of regular eye checks, and good blood glucose management for people with diabetes. With early diagnosis and treatment, eye damage can be reduced or even prevented.

WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that damages tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina). This causes the blood vessels to weaken and leak fluid or blood. One in three people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy in their lifetime.

How can diabetes affect my eyes?

In the short term, high blood glucose levels can cause your vision to blur temporarily due to a change in the shape of the lens in your eye. You can experience blurred vision at different times of your diabetes journey, including before you’re diagnosed, when starting a new treatment or when your blood glucose levels change quickly between high and low.