Living with diabetes often requires a proactive approach to your overall health, including your vision. Diabetic eye disease is a common and serious complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic eye disease is a recognised cause of vision impairment among working-age adults and may progress without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes regular specialist eye examinations a crucial part of managing your health. We understand that patients have many questions about this condition, from its causes to the latest treatments.
The following information addresses some commonly asked questions about diabetic eye disease and its management.
Q: What is diabetic eye disease, and why does it happen?
A: Diabetic eye disease is a broad term that includes conditions like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. The retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, is essential for vision. When its blood vessels are damaged, they can swell, leak fluid, or even close off, preventing blood flow. In advanced stages, new, abnormal blood vessels can grow on the surface of the retina, which are fragile and can be prone to bleeding.
Q: I feel fine. Do I really need an eye exam every year?
A: Yes. This is a question we hear a lot. One of the most dangerous aspects of diabetic eye disease is that it may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. You can have significant damage to your retina and still have clear vision. By the time you notice symptoms like blurry vision or floaters, the disease may have progressed to a more advanced stage. The more advanced, the more difficult it can be to treat and there is no guarantee lost vision can be restored. Regular dilated eye examinations can help detect retinal changes early, allowing timely clinical assessment and management if required.
Q: Can I reverse the damage caused by diabetic eye disease?
A: In some cases, particularly in early stages, progression of diabetic eye disease may be slowed with good blood sugar control. The primary goal of treatment is to stabilise the condition and reduce the risk of further vision loss. Available treatments aim to reduce the risk of disease progression and support long-term vision preservation, depending on individual response and disease severity.
Q: What are the latest and most effective treatments for diabetic eye disease?
A: The management of diabetic eye disease has advanced significantly. Today, care is focused on targeted therapies.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: These are commonly used treatments for diabetic macular oedema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. An anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug is injected into the eye. They work by blocking a protein that causes blood vessels to grow abnormally and leak fluids into the retina. This may help reduce swelling and stabilise vision.
- Laser Therapy: Laser can be used to reduce the risk of severe vision loss, by applying targeted laser burns to areas of the retina with compromised blood supply. Destroying these largely unused areas reduces overall VEGF production and aims to decrease new vessels growth.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, a steroid medication can be injected into the eye to reduce swelling.
Treatment planning is individualised and based on clinical findings, disease severity, and patient-specific factors.
Q: Is there anything I can do myself to protect my vision?
A: There are several steps that may support your overall eye health, as your actions play a major role in protecting your vision. The most important thing you can do is to maintain excellent control of your blood sugar levels. Your HbA1c and blood pressure targets, as set by your endocrinologist or GP, are directly linked to your eye health. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and not smoking are also critical. Regular eye examinations are an important part of monitoring eye health for people with diabetes.
Q: What should I expect during a diabetic eye exam at Queensland Eye and Retina Specialists?
A: Diabetic eye examinations typically involve a comprehensive assessment of the retina using clinical examination and imaging. Your eye doctor may dilate your pupils to provide a wide and clear view of your retina. We will also use advanced imaging techniques, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), to obtain a detailed cross-sectional view of your macula and assess for swelling and damage. This in-depth approach helps to detect subtle changes that might otherwise be missed.
Diabetic eye disease is a serious condition, but it can be managed with a proactive approach. Understanding the risks, committing to excellent blood sugar control, and scheduling regular, comprehensive eye exams are the keys to protecting your vision for the long term.
If you have diabetes, regular eye examinations may be recommended as part of ongoing health care. Discuss appropriate eye screening intervals with your GP or eye care professional. Book a comprehensive diabetic eye exam with the specialists at Queensland Eye and Retina Specialists today and take control of your vision health.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All medical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. Always seek the advice of your GP, specialist, or another appropriately qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Where further or specialised care is required, your treating practitioner can provide an appropriate referral.