Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes.  It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye, known as the retina.  If it is not treated, it can lead to blindness.

It is important to identify diabetic retinopathy as soon as possible.  Screening is an effective way of detecting retinopathy at an early stage.

The North Yorkshire NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme was introduced to reuce the risk of vision loss in people with diabetes.  If retinopathy is detected early enough, it can be effectively treated using laser treatment.  Otherwise, by the time the symptoms of retinopathy become noticeable, it can be much more difficult to treat.

Key Facts

• Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of sight loss in people of working age.
• Diabetic retinopathy may not cause symptoms until it is quite advanced; this is why screening is important.
• All people with diabetes are at risk of getting diabetic retinopathy.

What we do

As a service, we offer a free retinal screening appointment at least once a year to all patients within North Yorkshire and parts of East Yorkshire who have a diagnosis of diabetes, are over the age of 12 years and most importantly are registered with a GP.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetic-retinopathy/Pages/Introduction.aspx