KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DIABETES
By Jeannette Baldwin, ADS Retinopathy
Sub-Committee
THE Australian Diabetes Society, as part
of the implementation of the National Diabetes Strategy, has started a
major program to encourage all people who have diabetes to have regular
eye checks.
Australian Health Ministers have
recognised the seriousness of diabetes and its complications and, in 1996,
declared diabetes as a National Health Priority Area. Thus funding has
been made available to the Australian Diabetes Society from the
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to develop the Diabetes
Eye Health Promotion Program.
The name given to the condition that
affects your eyes is retinopathy. Most people who have diabetes will
develop retinopathy and it is important that it is found early and
treated. If we do this, then your vision will not be affected.
What can you do to look after your eyes?
Looking after your eyes:
Fortunately you can do something to
prevent loss of sight from diabetes:
- by achieving good control of your
diabetes, your blood cholesterol and your blood pressure;
- by having your eyes checked
regularly, signs of eye disease can be picked up early; and
- laser treatment can then be used to
prevent retinopathy from damaging your sight.
Who can test your eyes?:
If retinopathy is picked up, you should
be referred to an eye specialist:
- for mild signs of retinopathy, a
referral should be arranged soon; and
- if it is more advanced, referral
should be arranged as soon as possible, or urgently, depending on the
signs.
How often?: Once any retinopathy
is found, you need to be examined at least every 12 months, or more
frequently if the retinopathy is more advanced.
Have your eyes checked regularly:
It is very important to have your eyes
examined regularly by someone trained to detect retinopathy. A great deal
can be done to limit the eye damage if it is detected early.
Don't wait until you notice problems:
Retinopathy can be quite advanced before
you notice anything wrong with your sight. The earlier treatment starts,
the better the chance of preserving your sight.
Are there any exceptions?:
No, every person with diabetes should
have their eyes checked as soon as diabetes is diagnosed and at least
every two years after that.
