World sight day – 8th October 2015
Diabetes one of the most common causes of blindness
8th October marks World Sight Day, the event aimed at raising awareness of eye health
issues and stressing the importance of ‘eye care for all’. The leading cause of blindness in
people of working age in the UK is diabetic retinopathy, a common eye complication of
diabetes.1
According to Diabetes UK, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has
increased to more than 3.2 million, an increase of 163,000 between 2012 and 2013 alone.
By 2025 it is estimated that five million people will have diabetes and most of these cases
will be Type 2, a form that in many situations could be preventable.2
As a growing issue that shows no signs of slowing, it’s important that diabetes sufferers
are aware of the health risks associated with the disease and take preventative measures
to combat further health complications developing.
Mr Nigel Davies, Consultant Ophthalmologist at The Lister Hospital, part of HCA
International explains; “diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by high blood sugar
levels damaging the cells in the retina. Typically, 50% of diabetes sufferers will develop
retinopathy after seven years of being diabetic and a further 95 per cent of diabetics will
develop retinopathy after 15 years.”
He continues, “Diabetic retinopathy does not inevitably lead to blindness - 1.6% of patients
with type II diabetes and 3.6% of patients with type I diabetes are legally blind. However,
this does not mean that diabetics can ignore the condition. It’s important that diabetics
attend the national screening programme to have their eyes checked on an annual basis
at the least. This is especially important as there are often no symptoms unless the
problem is very advanced.”
1
2
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-blindness.html
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/What-we-say/Statistics/Diabetes-in-the-UK-2012/
Mr Davies advises that those who do suffer symptoms will notice “reduced detailed vision,
when reading for example, and also the sudden onset of lots of black or red spots in the
field of vision, due to bleeding in the eye. Anyone suffering from symptoms such as these
should seek medical advice immediately as there have also been cases of patients
discovering they have diabetes after seeking advice on eye problems experienced.”
Mr Davies concludes, “Although many diabetes sufferers will develop diabetic retinopathy,
there are many steps that can be taken to prevent eyes deteriorating and ultimately, going
blind. Diabetics should be proactive in focusing on the prevention of diabetic retinopathy
through good control of sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and although there are
many new treatments available for the advancing disease, which is great to see, these
must not be relied upon.”
- ENDS -
For additional expert comment please contact:
Jessica Davis or Penny Mitchell at Spreckley PR
T: 020 7388 9988
E: davis@spreckley.co.uk / mitchell@spreckley.co.uk
Notes To Editors:
The Lister Hospital, London
Occupying one of Chelsea’s most famous landmarks, The Lister Hospital offers the latest
medical procedures as part of a renowned and highly successful hospital group, HCA that
delivers world-class medical care to the capital. The Lister Hospital offers access to some
of Britain’s leading specialists, many of who are considered amongst the best in the world.
It is one of the highest rated hospitals with regard to patient care and hotel services, and
aims to deliver patients the very best experience on their pathway from diagnosis to
treatment.