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DIABETES
AND YOUR
EYE HEALTH

Diabetic eye disease is a major cause of preventable blindness in New Zealand.

Despite this, many of us are still unaware of the damage diabetes can do to our eye health. Diabetes may cause diabetic retinopathy, a condition that occurs when high blood sugar damages the fine blood vessels of the eye which may lead to, bleeding, swelling and inflammation. Untreated, it can cause vision loss or even blindness.


At OPSM, our Ultra Wide Retinal Scanners capture 80% of your retina, so we can detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy sooner. With early detection, we can start treatment and slow the onset of symptoms. Over 90% of new cases can be reduced with proper treatment and appropriate follow up care.


Don’t risk something as precious as your eyesight.

If you have any of the above symptoms, book an eye test with your OPSM optometrist today*
*OPSM recommends that you schedule regular visits with your optometrist based on your eye health needs.


Still have some questions?

We’ve answered 5 of our most commonly asked questions about diabetes and your eye health.


Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy vary from person to person, but may include:
  • Blurred vision;
  • Floaters or spots;
  • Blank or missing areas in vision;
  • Double vision;
  • Difficulty seeing well at night;
    • Anyone who has Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. You can develop this condition at any age, however the longer you’ve been a diabetic the more you are at risk.
    Yes, we recommend anyone with diabetes, regardless of age to regularly get your eyes tested. Symptoms often are not noticeable at first as vision loss only occurs when the disease is advanced.
    Eyes are the easiest way to assess your body’s health for sufferers of diabetes. Our optometrists work with local General Practitioner’s (GPs) and specialists to provide complete care around diabetes and tracking of changes occurring in the eye. This ensures that changes that are occurring unexpectedly are detected, this can only be done with regular eye tests to give the optometrist a history of the person.
    To keep your eyes as healthy a possible we recommend that you;
  • Schedule regular eye tests, at least every two years, or as recommended by your optometrists.
  • Work with your GP to get a plan to keep your glucose levels under control.
  • Work with your GP to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Reach out to your GP or optometrist for treatment as soon as your vision is impacted.

    • *for more information on diabetes and your eye health we recommend you visit Diabetes Australia.
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