Diabetic eye screening is important as it helps prevent sight loss. Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina).
Eye screening is an important part of your diabetes care. Untreated diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of sight loss in people of working age.
Screening can detect the condition early before you notice any changes to your sight. When the condition is caught early, treatment is effective at reducing or preventing damage to your eyesight.
Diabetic eye screening is not covered as part of your normal eye examination with an optician. Screening does not look for other eye conditions and you should continue to visit your optician regularly for eye examinations as well.
Find out more on the Greater Manchester South Diabetic Eye Screening Programme website or download the leaflet: Your guide to diabetic eye screening.
