Optometrist raising awareness of eye tests importance in diagnosing diabetes

Following Diabetes Awareness Week, an optometrist is hoping to raise awareness of how the disease can be detected through an eye test.

Amir Chughtai of David Spicer Optometrists in Oxford is raising awareness following the national week which ran from June 9-16.

He is also sharing the signs to look out for, as diabetes cases have risen over the past decade.

Diabetes UK state 1.2 million people are living with diabetes but are undiagnosed as they often experience few or no symptoms.

This can lead to damage to the heart, kidneys a person's eyes, potentially leading to loss of vision.

Mr Chughtai said: "There are many conditions seemingly unrelated to your eyes that can still have an impact on your sight or eye health.

“Often times you may not even be aware that there’s an underlying issue causing certain symptoms such as blurred vision or floaters.

“However, a trip to your local opticians could catch diabetes early."

Symptoms to watch out for include feeling thirstier than usual, frequent urination, loss of weight, feeling tired or feeling weak.

Mr Chughtai also urged those living with diagnosed diabetes to continue attending their regular diabetic eye screenings to avoid the risks of diabetic retinopathy.

He added: “Your eyes can tell you a lot about someone’s physical health, not just their vision which is why it’s so important to attend regular eye examinations."