Diabetic Eye Screening

What is Diabetic Eye Disease (Diabetic Retinopathy)?

Diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy) is the most common cause of sight loss in people of working age.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused when diabetes affects the small blood vessels in the back of the eye (the retina).This is the part of the eye that acts rather like the film in a camera.This can cause damage and leads to changes to the blood vessels which is known as Diabetic Retinopathy. This may lead to bleeding or scarring in the centre of the retina and stop light rays reaching part of the back of the eye.

Anyone with diabetes is at risk of getting diabetic retinopathy, and if you are over 12 years old you should be screened on an annual basis. The screening takes place at various locations in Swindon, and this involves taking a photograph of the eye.

Looking after your diabetes can reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and slow the rate at which it happens.

Why is screening important?

Diabetic eye screening is a key part of your diabetes care.

Diabetic retinopathy progresses with time but may not cause symptoms until it is quite advanced and close to affecting a person’s sight. This is why screening is important.

When the condition is caught early, treatment is effective at reducing or preventing damage to your sight.

If you have diabetes and are concerned about your vision, please consultant your doctor.

Retinal Screening in Swindon

NEC Care provides retinal screening in Swindon. You can find our more by heading to their website: https://neccare.necsws.com/your-local-provider/banes-swindon-wiltshire/

Further information