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Diabetes

Diabetes and your Eyesight

Diabetes UK estimate that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is an all-time high. Their data shows that almost 4.6 million people in the UK live with diabetes diagnoses and additionally, nearly 1.3 million people could be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. On top of this, an estimated 6.3 million people are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK based on blood sugar levels (prediabetes). This mean an estimated 12.1 million adults in the UK are living with diabetes or prediabetes – this is an alarming 17% of the population.

At Rawlings, our Optometrists are specially trained to detect eye changes caused by diabetes, which can occur before a formal diagnosis is made.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It’s common for diabetes to be first spotted during a routine eye exam, either from changes in vision or signs of leaky blood vessels.

Once diagnosed, regular diabetic eye checks are crucial. If left untreated, damage can lead to permanent sight loss.

Common Diabetes-Related Eye Conditions Include:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular Disease

Each year, over 1,700 people in the UK lose their sight due to diabetes-related eye disease.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes and Health

  • Get your eyes checked regularly – never skip your screening or eye tests
  • NHS eye tests are free for diabetics every 2 years (or more often if clinically necessary)
  • Upgrade your eye exam to include an OCT scan for the most detailed health check of your eyes. Read our blog on the benefits of OCT scans for diabetics
  • Spot changes to your eyesight – if you notice any change, see your Optometrist
  • Know your blood sugar levels – tight control of blood sugars is vital so test yourself at home
  • Know your blood pressure and cholesterol – high blood pressure or cholesterol make eye problems more likely
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices – a nutritious balanced diet is very important. The website diabetes.org.uk has detailed dietary advice and lots of other useful information
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Rawlings is a long-established independent business serving the communities of twelve towns in Hampshire and Surrey, where we have built a strong reputation for the quality of our professional expertise and service.

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Rawlings & Sons (Opticians) Limited is registered in England and Wales No 02862381. Rawlings & Sons (Opticians) Limited are a credit broker and not a lender. We offer credit products from Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC trading as Novuna. Rawlings & Sons (Opticians) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 990854. Credit subject to age and status. Finance is only available for audiology products The interest free plans which are repayable within 12 months and in no more than 12 instalments are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Unregulated plans are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service.

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Contact | Privacy Policy | Feedback | FAQ | Complaints |  Disclosure Statement | Cookies Policy

© Rawlings Opticians 2025