Surgeons Warn Not to Neglect Eyes - Diabetes Awareness Week 12-18 June 2016

LONDON, June 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Not only are eye checks vital to maintain the health of the eyes, and to detect health conditions, they are especially vital for those who suffer from diabetes.

Diabetes can increase the risk of cataract, glaucoma and damage to the retina.

Eileen, aged 54 from Aldwick near Bognor Regis was shocked to have put her vision at risk due to missed NHS appointments.

Having missed a series of three routine eye checks, Eileen, who has suffered with Type 1 diabetes for two decades, decided to book an eye health check with Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire.

On arrival, her surgeon found a number of blood vessels had burst due to her diabetes, and in fact she needed sight-saving laser treatment surgery that very day.  

The pan-retinal photocoagulation laser eye surgery prevents the development of the abnormal leaking new blood vessels which can devastate vision.  

Eileen's sight is now maintained successfully with monthly Eylea (VEGF trap) injections which both control diabetic macular swelling and prevent the growth of new vessels.

The drugs attack the chemicals which stimulate new vessel growth and work in much the same way as treatment for wet age related macular degeneration. They do not, however, damage any healthy tissue.

Eileen who is a triplet sister and is Director of her own company, Boost Pay, says: "I am just so relieved that I did not leave the checkups any longer. Three NHS appointments had been cancelled and I was worried as I felt my vision was changing. It is frightening to think what could have happened, and it has made me realise how precious my eyesight is. Never again will I be missing an appointment!"

Mr Andrew Luff, ophthalmic surgeon at Optegra Eye Health Care, said: "Eileen's case really does demonstrate how essential it is to keep check on eye health - particularly for those with a condition such as diabetes, which can directly impact on eyes.

"In the space of just a few months, Eileen's eye health was in a critical condition. Thankfully there are many treatment options available but it is essential to treat as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of irreversible damage.

"If someone with diabetes suffers from blurring, fluctuating vision, or notices reduced colour or blank, empty areas in their vision, these are clear warning signs and they should seek urgent medical advice."

For more advice on all eye health conditions please visit http://www.optegra.com