What Is a Diabetic Eye Health Assessment?

Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. This can lead to diabetic retinopathy and, in some cases, vision loss.

During an eye health assessment, your optometrist may examine the retina and use digital retinal imaging where appropriate to look for signs of diabetic eye disease.

Please note: A routine optician’s eye examination is not a replacement for the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. If you are eligible for NHS diabetic eye screening, you should continue to attend your screening appointments.

Possible Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye disease may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms occur, they can include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Dark spots or floaters
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night
• Colours appearing less vivid
• Sudden changes in vision

How Is Diabetic Eye Disease Managed?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Management may include:

1. Managing blood glucose and blood pressure – Following your healthcare professional’s advice can help reduce the risk of eye complications.
2. Regular eye examinations and screening – Monitoring helps identify changes at an early stage.
3. Laser treatment – May be recommended for certain retinal changes.
4. Eye injections – Anti-VEGF or other treatments may be used for certain types of diabetic eye disease.
5. Referral to an eye specialist – Further assessment or treatment may be recommended when required.

Early detection and appropriate management can help reduce the risk of serious vision problems.

Glaucoma Eye Assessment

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent sight loss if left untreated.

It can develop gradually without obvious symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations are important.

A glaucoma assessment may include checking eye pressure, the appearance of the optic nerve and your field of vision, depending on your individual circumstances.

Possible Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Halos around lights
• Eye pain, redness or sudden changes in vision in certain types of acute glaucoma

If you experience sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision or halos around lights, seek urgent medical attention.

How Is Glaucoma Managed?

Although glaucoma-related vision loss cannot usually be reversed, treatment can help slow or prevent further damage.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

1. Prescription eye drops – To help lower eye pressure.
2. Laser treatment – Such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or other appropriate procedures.
3. Glaucoma surgery – May be considered when other treatments are not sufficient.
4. Regular monitoring – Follow-up examinations may include eye pressure measurements, visual field testing and assessment of the optic nerve.

Regular eye examinations can help detect glaucoma early and support timely treatment or referral.

Cataract Eye Assessment

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts are common as we get older and can gradually affect the clarity of your vision.

A cataract assessment allows your optometrist to examine the health and clarity of your eyes and determine whether further monitoring or referral is appropriate.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts can cause:

• Blurred or cloudy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Increased sensitivity to glare
• Halos around lights
• Colours appearing faded or yellowed
• Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
• Double vision in one eye

How Are Cataracts Treated?

Treatment depends on how much the cataract is affecting your vision and everyday activities.

1. Updated glasses prescription – New glasses may improve vision in the earlier stages.
2. Improved lighting and glare management – Can make everyday activities more comfortable.
3. Cataract surgery – If the cataract significantly affects your vision, you may be referred for surgery. The cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
4. Post-operative care – Following cataract surgery, you will receive advice about eye drops, follow-up appointments and recovery.

If a cataract is affecting your vision or quality of life, our optometrist can advise you on the appropriate next steps.

Book Your Eye Health Check Today

Don’t wait until you notice changes in your vision.

Regular eye examinations can help detect eye conditions at an early stage and ensure that you receive appropriate advice, monitoring or referral when required.

Book your eye health check today.

📞 Call us on 01902 420348
Or book your appointment online.