Remember eye health care during Diabetes Week advises Sheffield optometrist
Diabetics should have regular appointments with an optometrist in addition to their annualdiabetic retinopathy screening - that is the message from a Sheffield optometrist ahead of Diabetes Week (11 - 17 June).
Alex Gage, the owner of two optometry practices, stressed that it is not just diabetics that need to be aware of the importance of having an eye examination.
4.5 million people in the UK live with the condition while 11.9 million are at increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Eye examinations are invaluable as they can detect diabetes at an early stage.
"As optometrists, we have an extremely important part to play in educating and reminding patients, diabetic or otherwise, about the importance of having an eye exam," Alex added.
"As Diabetes Week approaches, I would like to raise awareness of the condition. It's crucial that people understand the seriousness of diabetes, and realise that diabetic people are actually more at risk of developing complications with their eyes.
"This is why we are encouragingdiabetics in the local area to make sure they have a routine eye exam every year to keep check of the overall health of their eyes. That should be in addition to diabetic retinopathy screening."
Diabetes Week runs between 11 and 17 June and the theme for 2017 is ‘Know diabetes. Fight diabetes'.
Alex added: "You can get signs of diabetes in the eyes such as variable vision from day to day and leaking blood vessels at the back of the eyes if the condition remains uncontrolled for a long time.
"An eye exam can also pick up other health conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure."
Diabetes is a life-long health condition that occurs when the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body can't use it properly. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells, meaning no insulin is produced. This causes glucose to rise quickly in the blood.
With Type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't make enough insulin, or the insulin it makes doesn't work properly, meaning glucose builds up in the blood. About 90 per cent of people living with diabetes have Type 2. Both can be life-threatening if not treated and managed.
Retinopathy is damage to the retina and is a complication that can affect people with diabetes. It is the most common cause of blindness among people of working age in the UK.
If you have any concerns about your eye health or you have diabetes and would like to get your eyes examined,please contact Alex Gage Family Optometristat 857 Chesterfield Road, Woodseats on 0114 274 8582 orat48 Sandygate Road,Crosspool on0114 266 7066.
Ends
For more information or to arrange an interview with Alex Gage or wife and fellow optometrist Sarah, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on:
Direct line: 01430 871360
Mobile: 07971 961574
E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk
Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Please visitwww.alexgagevision.co.ukfor more information about the extensive services and products that Alex and his wife, and fellow optometrist, Sarah Gage provide at their practices.
To keep up to date with news from Alex Gage Family Optometrist, find the company onFacebookandTwitter.
For more information about Diabetes Week, please visitwww.diabetes.org.uk/Get_involved/Diabetes-Week.