Of the 1.4 million people in Australia living with diabetes, 10% are living with Type 1 and 85% are living with Type 22. These statistics highlight how the disease could potentially affect not only eye health, but the overall health and well-being of Australians. Regular eye checks are one of the ways to detect signs of diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy.

With up to an estimated 500,0003 undiagnosed Australians living with diabetes, OPSM optometrists are highlighting the need to attend regular eye check-ups especially during National Diabetes Week.

Peter Murphy, OPSM Director of Eyecare says,: “If you are a person living with diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing eye health issues, such as diabetic retinopathy, which has the potential to cause severe vision loss, or even blindness. Regular eye exams can in fact help identify early symptoms of a wide range of health concerns, often leading to awareness, treatment and prevention of problems.”

 “We recommend adults should visit their optometrist at least once every 24 months to ensure best practice eye health.”

Elizabeth Kodari, Optometrist at OPSM says: “Many Australians don’t consider the link between diabetes and their eye health, and that’s why we at OPSM want to encourage residents to get their eyes tested regularly during National Diabetes Awareness Week.

 

1 The Pervasive Impact of Diabetes, Australian Journal of General Practice, 2019, https://www1.racgp.org.au

2 About Diabetes Australia. 2020 : http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/About-Diabetes-Australia/

3 Diabetes Australia, 2015 https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes