Diabetic retinopathy
It is estimated that nearly one person in twenty-five is affected by diabetes. Diabetes is a medical condition where the body cannot process carbohydrates normally due to a lack of insulin.
The most serious eye condition associated with diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy.
Most people with diabetes will not experience any related sight loss.
Most sight-threatening problems caused by diabetic retinopathy can be managed by laser treatment if it is given early enough
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by irregularities in the retina, in particular the blood vessels that lie behind it. Depending on the exact form of the condition either loss of central vision or complete sight loss can result.
Diabetic retinopathy and reading
Diabetic retinopathy leads to patchy vision which often results in orientation difficulties. Some people with patchy vision have a fairly even loss of sight across the whole visual field, and may therefore need clear colour contrast and large print.
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- Date: May 2009