Eye damage from diabetes

Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerve tissue in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema can cause no symptoms for a long time and later lead to permanent loss of vision. Regular eye checks and good treatment of glucose, blood pressure and other risk factors reduce the risk.

• Often no symptoms in the early stages, despite already visible retinal damage.
• Blurred, distorted or fluctuating vision, for example with fluctuating glucose or macular oedema.
• Attend all planned eye checks, even if your vision is sharp and you have no eye symptoms.
• Measure and treat glucose and blood pressure according to your personal plan, and discuss repeatedly abnormal readings.
• Get in touch promptly if eye checks are missing, your schedule is unclear or your diabetes has been poorly controlled for a long time.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.