Threatening retinal damage Diabetics should go to the eye examination every two years

People with diabetes should go to the ophthalmologist every two years

Constantly elevated blood sugar levels can damage the fine blood vessels of the retina. Diabetics should therefore go to the ophthalmologist regularly to have their eyes checked.

Diabetes can cause numerous complications

According to experts, around seven million people with diabetes live in Germany. The disease not only has serious effects on the metabolism, but can also cause numerous sequelae. Often diabetes causes diseases of the cardiovascular system over time. The nervous system is also affected. Particularly often the supplying nerves of the feet are damaged, which can lead to the fact that the affected ones develop a so-called diabetic foot. Even eye diseases that can lead to blindness are typical complications of diabetes. Patients should therefore have their eyes checked regularly.

Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to retinal damage. People with type 2 diabetes should therefore make an appointment with the ophthalmologist immediately after the diagnosis. (Image: cucurudza / fotolia.com)

Immediately after the diagnosis to the ophthalmologist

People who suffer from type 2 diabetes should make an appointment with the ophthalmologist immediately after the diagnosis, recommends the magazine "Diabetes Guide" in its current issue (8/2018).

Excessively high blood sugar levels can sometimes cause damage to the retina in the eye.

According to the experts, the eyes must then be checked at least every two years. Other experts advise at intervals of only one year.

For type 1 diabetics, it is recommended that an ophthalmologist be consulted at least every two years from the fifth year of illness.

Take care of appointments in good time

It is pointed out to take care in time for an appointment. Patients should call in practice about three months before the due date.

In urgent cases, the family doctor can sometimes help you get an appointment with the ophthalmologist more quickly.

You can also contact the appointment service points of the Kassenärztlichen associations. They are obliged to arrange an appointment within four weeks. However, one can not choose the doctor then. (Ad)