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Eye Sore

Loss of sight due to diabetes is the leading preventable cause of blindness in New Zealand. Photographic screening programmes, such as one recently begun by the Canterbury Area Health Board, can provide early detection and treatment for diabetic retinopathy.

Photographs of the retina at the back of the eye show how the retina changes as a result of the progression of diabetes. In the 45-minute procedure, eyedrops are used to make the pupils larger, and then colour photographs are taken of the retina.

The upper photograph at right shows a normal retina with a healthy set of blood vessels; the lower photo shows the dark and light patches associated with haemorrhaging and leakage of proteins from damaged blood vessels.

In some cases, blood flow to the nerve fibre layer ceases and the a proliferation of new blood vessels is formed to try and overcome this. In the most advanced cases, the retina is scarred or becomes detached.

Early detection will allow laser treatment of the damaged blood vessels to halt the deterioration in sight.