Diabetes sufferers encouraged to have their eyes checked regularly

10 March 2010

In Australia, approximately 1 million people have diabetes. After long duration of diabetes, most will develop the eye disease, diabetic retinopathy, which without treatment can cause vision loss and blindness.

The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and Orthoptics Australia have joined together to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye checks for people with diabetes as part of Orthoptic Awareness week from March 8 – 11.

As part of this week Orthoptics Australia is hosting a free Diabetic Retinopathy Seminar on Wednesday 10th March at the Eye and Ear Hospital.

Orthoptists are allied health care workers who specialise in the detection, diagnosis and management of vision disorders and work closely with ophthalmic surgeons to monitor and manage eye conditions.

Manager of the Orthoptics Department at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and President of the Orthoptics Australia, Associate Professor Zoran Georgievski said everyday orthoptists are working with patients who have diabetic retinopathy.

“Diabetes causes damage to the retina. Early detection of the disease can save people’s sight.”

“Laser treatment is successfully used at the Eye and Ear to treat diabetic retinopathy, but it cannot restore vision that is already lost.”

Australian studies have found that the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among diabetics ranges from 35% to 49% and as there are many undiagnosed diabetics, it is possible that 200,000 people in Australia could be affected by diabetic retinopathy and not be aware of it.

Therefore, the Eye and Ear and Orthoptics Australia encourages all people with diabetes to have a full eye examination at least every 2 years in order to prevent diabetic retinopathy, and to reduce the incidence of vision loss.

The Centre of Eye Research Australia, research partner of the Eye and Ear, is currently recruiting for a major Australian study investigating the barriers to achieving optimal diabetes care. If you are over 18 and have Type 1 or 2 diabetes and would be willing to participate in this ground-breaking study, register your interest now by calling 03 9929 8363. Participants will benefit from an eye test at the Eye and Ear Hospital.

Study Manager of the Diabetes Management Program Dr Mohamed Dirani said

“Diabetic retinopathy is usually the result of untreated or poorly controlled diabetes. Studies show that proper control of blood glucose levels and hypertension significantly reduces the progression of the disease,” Dr Dirani said.

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