Specsavers focuses on World Diabetes Day

Diabetes now affects an estimated 4.6 million people in the UK – but research shows that 40 per cent of the British public are unaware that one of the biggest complications of the condition is blindness.

With World Diabetes Day taking place on 14 November, Specsavers is taking the opportunity to raise awareness of how diabetes can affect the eyes – and how regular eye health checks can help identify the condition.

If you have diabetes, your eyes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to sight loss if it’s not treated. Eye screening is a key part of your diabetes care, and with eye tests free for all in Scotland, there’s no reason to delay booking regular checks.

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy does not usually cause any noticeable symptoms, so you may not even know you have it.

Screening can detect the condition before you notice any changes to your vision, and if it is detected early enough, management of the condition can stop it getting worse.

Otherwise, by the time symptoms become noticeable, diabetic retinopathy can be much more difficult to treat.

Using digital retinal photography, the test involves taking a detailed picture of the back of the eye and the microcirculation of blood, which helps to highlight indicators of diabetes.

Dr Nigel Best, clinical spokesperson at Specsavers, says it’s vital that we make use of the expert advice on offer at Specsavers.

He says: ‘Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health conditions today – fuelled by record levels of obesity, excessive sugar consumption and sedentary lifestyles. If we continue to ignore the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, we can only expect to see the number of undiagnosed cases escalate.

‘Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness among people of working age in the UK so it’s hugely important that diabetes is detected early and monitored correctly to avoid furthering the risks.’

Earlier this year, Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave CBE partnered with Specsavers and the RNIB for Diabetes Week.

Sir Steve has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and he admits that losing his sight is one of his biggest worries.

He is now dedicated to raising awareness of good eye care in both detecting and managing the condition – especially as research from Specsavers and the RNIB shows one in five adults are unaware that optometrists can check for indicators of the condition .

Sophie Castell, Director of Relationships at RNIB, believes that regular eye health checks are important in detecting and monitoring conditions.

She says: ‘Sadly, all too often, people with diabetes can lose their sight due to complications. Yet with early detection and treatment, sight loss due to diabetic retinopathy can be prevented.

‘Regular eye tests are important for everyone, but especially for people living with diabetes who should also ensure they attend appointments for specialist diabetic eye screening. It’s a few minutes that could save your sight.’

Eye tests are free for all in Scotland – to book yours, visit www.specsavers.co.uk.