Diabetic retinopathy refers to progressive damage to the blood vessels in the inner eye (retina) caused by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). This can seriously affect vision and in some cases may even cause blindness (MDA Internet 2005).
Diabetes interferes with the ability of the body to use and store glucose. Over time, diabetes may cause changes in the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, there may be blurring of both central and peripheral (side) vision. In advanced stages scar tissue forms, causing an additional distortion and blurred vision (Better Health Channel 2007)
Symptoms and characteristics
Common symptoms include (Vision Australia 2007):
- blurred or distorted vision that makes it difficult to read standard print, watch television or see people's faces
- increased sensitivity to glare
- difficulty seeing at night.
Factors shown to increase the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy include (Centre for Vision Research 2007):
- known duration of diabetes; generally longer duration increases risk
- blood sugar control
- blood pressure control
- pregnancy is a short-term higher risk
- presence of kidney damage accelerates retinopathy
- cataract surgery can increase risk in the operated eye.
Statistics
There are over 800 000 Australians who have diabetes. Every person with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy and people with diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose vision or go blind than those without diabetes (Better Health Channel 2007).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2007, Diabetic retinopathy, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 1 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Diabetic_retinopathy?open>.
Centre for Vision Research 2007, Department of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Sydney, viewed 1 March 2007, <http://www.cvr.org.au>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.
Vision Australia 2007, Vision Australia, Sydney, viewed 1 March 2007, <http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>.