Test can prevent diabetes danger to sight

Dear Editor

National Eye Health Week starts on Monday, running from September 18-24.

Diabetes Scotland and RNIB Scotland are joining forces to highlight the single biggest cause of preventable sight loss among working-age people in Scotland: diabetic retinopathy.

It occurs when blood vessels in the eye leak or become blocked.

But if detected in time through diabetic retinopathy screening, which is a special eye exam different to the one you get at your optician, this condition can be treated to prevent further damage.

There are over 38,000 people living with diabetes in Lanarkshire.

It is vital that people with diabetes understand the importance of getting their eyes examined regularly.

Left untreated, retinopathy can lead to permanent visual impairment or even blindness.

If you’re living with diabetes please make sure you attend your retinopathy screening appointment. Neglecting this could cost you your sight.

If you’ve not been invited for screening you should speak to your GP or healthcare team.

Don’t lose sight of what’s important.