DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) are complications of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). They can cause significant visual loss if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Professor Pearce has been involved in numerous global trials investigating the most effective ways of treating both DR and DMO.

He provides a one-stop clinic for diagnosis, imaging, monitoring and treating of  these conditions. 

The retina is the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals. The signals are sent to the brain which turns them into the images you see.

The retina needs a constant supply of blood, which it receives through a network of tiny blood vessels. Over time, a persistently high blood sugar level can damage these blood vessels in 3 main stages:

• background retinopathy – tiny bulges develop in the blood vessels, which may bleed slightly but don't usually affect your vision
• pre-proliferative retinopathy – more severe and widespread changes affect the blood vessels, including more significant bleeding into the eye
• proliferative retinopathy – scar tissue and new blood vessels, which are weak and bleed easily, develop on the retina, this can result in some loss of vision

However, if a problem with your eyes is picked up early, lifestyle changes and/or treatment can stop it getting worse.

The video on this page has further information on the condition and available treatments that Professor Pearce can advise you on from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

In some cases, the blood vessels in the part of the eye called the macula (the central area of the retina) can also become leaky or blocked. This is known as diabetic maculopathy or oedema.

If this is detected:

• there's a high risk that your vision could eventually be affected
• you may be advised to have more frequent specialised testing to monitor your eyes
• you may require treatments that can help stop the problem getting worse

However, if a problem with your eyes is picked up early, lifestyle changes and/or treatment can stop it getting worse.

The video on this page has further information on the condition and available treatments that Professor Pearce can advise you on from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.