Why is diabetic eye screening important?
This page explains what diabetic eye screening is, and why it is important.
What is diabetic eye screening?
Diabetic eye screening
Diabetic eye screening is for people aged 12 years and over with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The test is to look for diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused when high blood sugar levels damage your eye.
Photographs
A health professional will take photographs of the back of your eyes to find out if you have diabetic retinopathy.
Preventing sight loss
Diabetic eye screening is the best way to prevent sight loss from diabetic retinopathy.
How often should I be screened?
How often you are screened will depend on your last 2 screening results.
No signs of retinopathy
If your last 2 screening results showed no signs of retinopathy, you will usually need a screening test every 2 years.
Signs of retinopathy
If your last 2 screening results showed signs of retinopathy, you will continue screening every 6 months or every year.
If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes
When you are first diagnosed with diabetes you will be screened every year.
If you receive 2 screening results where no retinopathy is found you will move to 2-yearly screening
Eye Tests
Regular eye tests
Diabetic eye screening only looks for retinopathy.
It is important to still go for your regular eye tests with your optician.
If you notice any changes to your eyesight, go to your optician straight away.
Benefits and risks
Benefits of screening
Screening can find changes to your retina early, before you have any signs of sight loss.
Getting treatment early can reduce or stop sight loss.
It’s an important part of your NHS diabetes care.
Diabetic eye screening is the best way to prevent sight loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Risks of screening
There are no risks from diabetic eye screening.
However, if eye drops are given then there can be some side effects.
- Your eyes might sting or become sensitive for a short time.
- You might have blurred vision for several hours.
Back to the beginning
Let's go back to the beginning and look at:
Diabetic eye screening (Easy Read)