Diabetes and eye health

All people with diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 or gestational) have an increased risk of developing eye complications such as macula oedema, cataracts, glaucoma or the most common diabetic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy.

The good news is that up to 98 per cent of severe vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy can be avoided if it is detected early.

Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms in the early stages. That is why regular eye tests are important to detect the condition early. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better it can be treated.

If you have diabetes, it is important that you:

• have an eye test upon diagnosis of diabetes.
• have an eye test every two years thereafter or as recommended by your eye health professional
• keep your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control to delay or prevent diabetic eye diseases.

Save Your Sight – Get Tested

For more information

Visit the Diabetes Australia – Victoria website for information on diabetes and eye health.

Download Leaflets:

Diabetic retinopathy: for 18 -39 old age group

Diabetic retinopathy: for 40+ age group