Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye disease cause by complications of diabetes and is the most common cause of blindness in working age adults in Australia. Diabetes damages the blood vessels that nourish the retina part of the eye that enables us to see. Poorly regulated and high levels of sugar in the blood can cause:

• Blindness
• Cataract
• Change the optics of eye resulting in blurred vision
• May interfere with focusing of the eye
• Double vision

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes you should have your eyes examined for diabetic retinopathy every two years. When changes are noticed in the retina, more frequent examinations are recommended.

Diabetic Retinopathy can be detected during a comprehensive eye examination through dilated (enlarged) pupils which is done by using medicated drops. Early detection through regular eye examinations can prevent most people with Diabetic Retinopathy from ever going blind.