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Eye Examinations Can Spot Early Signs Of Diabetes

Author: Patrick Lowman

Published: 18th June 2014 12:42

Optometrist Joanna Williams

Eye Examinations Can Spot Early Signs Of Diabetes
 
A leading Suffolk optician has issued a reminder of the importance of eye examinations in detecting diabetes.
 
Optometrist Joanna Williams actively supported National Diabetes Week last week by urging her patients to ensure they have their eyes checked regularly.
 
Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in the UK and 3.2million are diagnosed with the condition each year. It is estimated a further 630,000 are living with the condition without knowing.
 
Ms Williams, a highly qualified and experienced optometrist  – who currently works for Suffolk based company Observatory the Opticians and its sister company Wardale Williams – said: “As a health professional I am always supportive of National Diabetes Week as it does so much to raise the profile of a condition which affects so many people.
 
“Diabetes is often first discovered during an eye examination.  If an optometrist sees signs of diabetes in your eyes they will refer you to a GP for a blood test to check your glucose levels. This will then confirm if you have diabetes and your treatment plan can be discussed. If the signs are serious the optometrist can refer you straight to your local hospital eye department for treatment.
 
“The best advice we can give is to encourage people to have eye examinations regularly as they are a good indicator of health and early signs of many conditions, not just diabetes, can be spotted in the eye. Early diagnosis is often essential to long-term successful treatment.”
 
Diabetes Week is an annual UK-wide initiative devoted to raising awareness of diabetes and raising money to help fund research into the condition. Set up by the British charity group Diabetes UK, this special week is the annual focal point for all of the charity’s diabetes awareness, campaigning and fundraising activities.
 
Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Long- and short-term complications can impact on a wide variety of parts of the body including the eyes.
 

 

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