For a diabetic, the most dangerous threat to their vision is known as diabetic retinopathy. It’s a condition in which the retina of the eye becomes scarred after diabetes-related damage to its blood vessels, and it can lead to blindness, but the good news is that even if someone is diagnosed with this condition, there are effective ways to slow or stop its progression. 

Diabetics are also more susceptible to cataracts and macular degeneration. That doesn’t mean that they are sure to develop vision problems if they’re diabetic – but if they are among those who do, early detection and treatment could save their vision. 

When and How Often Diabetics Should See an Eye Doctor

It’s a good idea for people with diabetes to go for an eye examination soon after their diagnosis. If they’ve been living with undiagnosed diabetes for some time, retinopathy may already have begun to develop. After the first screening, diabetics should have an annual eye exam – unless they notice any unusual symptoms or vision changes between check-ups. 

If retinopathy is diagnosed, eye doctors may need to follow up more frequently, and complying with a regular regimen of check-ups and treatments could be vital for maintaining their vision. “With timely and expert care, it is often possible to halt the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy,” says Gary Rodney.

Why People Sometimes Don’t Comply

Diabetes eye screening isn’t painful or invasive. Nevertheless, says Gary, many diabetics are inclined to put off their appointments. “There are several reasons for this,” says Gary. “People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are often terrified by well-meant attempts at persuading them to attend various screenings. Healthcare professionals are inclined to highlight what may happen if there isn’t regular screening, but it can be counterproductive. Patients become afraid. They put off screenings because they’re scared of getting bad news. Once they’ve put it off for long enough, they become nervous about scheduling screenings because they think they’ll be criticised for negligence.”

There’s also a practical side to things: “Drops that dilate the pupil are used for the examination,” explains Gary. “Patients aren’t able to drive after their screening. They don’t want to bother their friends or family, especially when they don’t have any worrying symptoms to report. However, Eyes in Design would like to encourage them to keep up their regular screenings, and their friends and family would surely do the same.”

Eye Screening is About the Good News

Gary says that there’s nothing to fear from an eye screening. “Eye screening is good news,” he says. “It doesn’t hurt, and if the results say there’s nothing to worry about, you can celebrate. If eye doctors do pick up the beginnings of a problem, it’s more easily treatable than if you wait until symptoms begin or become unbearable. Either way, patients can only win. If you’re a little behind on your screenings, it’s time to rectify that. Make that appointment. You’ll be glad you did.” 

“Diabetics rely on a team of healthcare professionals who will work with them to ensure the greatest possible quality of life. Optometrists are among these, and Eyes in Design is proud of its role in supporting people with diabetes through the eye-related health issues they face,” says Gary.

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney – Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!

For more information on eye health, eye screening, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

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Gattegno says that many drivers, happy with their standard test results, are often unaware that they have one of many vision errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) which limit the distance at which people see clearly; or visual coordination issues that result in unstable or double vision. And statistics show that in 23% (close to one in four of the world’s drivers) these vision problems are uncorrected.

Signs of Trouble

An Optometry Australia survey found that just under 20 percent of drivers in the 35 to 54 age group find it difficult to see signposts when driving. 15% of them said they squinted during the day in order to address this, and more than 20% said they found themselves squinting at night.

Other factors listed by drivers included eye fatigue and dry eyes after long periods spent in front of the computer screen at work, and the glare caused by the setting sun as they drove home, specially when they were driving directly towards it. After sunset problems were identified as eye irritation caused by direct exposure to the bright lights of oncoming cars, as well as reflections on wet roads and signposts, and the changing colours of traffic lights.

Eye Test Doesn’t Cover Everything

According to Rodney, founder of Smart Vision Optometry in Australia and fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), these responses indicate that relying on the eye test taken to get a driver’s license as an indication that all is well with a driver’s vision, could be a mistake. These tests in most countries, including Australia, rely on eye acuity, or how well the would-be driver’s eyes can see an object at a certain distance. This is determined by their ability to read the letters on the standard Snellen chart.

Rodney says this leaves out a big, and vital section of vision needed for driving safely. The gap lies in that it doesn’t test the driver’s ability to understand what is being seen, or react to it appropriately and quickly, particularly when they see something unexpected, such as a child suddenly crossing the road, or a car stopping just ahead of them for no apparent reason.

Acuity vs Vision

He says the ability to respond quickly is vital to safe driving, and this is not affected by eyesight, or determined by how far someone can see. It’s the relevant, usable, and applicable information that’s provided by perceptual vision following teamwork between eye and brain in processing the information gathered by sight.

This makes it important, Rodney says, that when testing sight for driver’s licenses, vision tests should also be included that determine other factors besides those indicated by the standard acuity test.

To learn more about perceptual vision and Smart Vision’s approach to Myopia management and vision therapy, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

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