At Sight Scotland, we are committed to supporting the development of new treatments.
We fund ophthalmology research through the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a form of sight loss that can develop in anybody with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is a result of damage to blood vessels supplying the retina - the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
There are several types and different stages of diabetic retinopathy. It varies in severity and, in some cases, leads to blindness. Amongst working-age adults, it is one of the most common causes of sight loss – with rates expected to rise.
What progress has been made?
Research that we have funded through the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh has led to NHS Lothian modifying their practice. Patients now have retinal eye screening when they begin their insulin pump therapy, and again after three months.
This stage allows intervention which might save eyesight. This important research is following patients who have undergone conversion to insulin pump therapy. It will examine their vision prior to and after this intervention and related changes in retinopathy to changes in their glucose control.
These tests will enable researchers to examine what the progression of retinopathy is related to.
With rates of diabetes on the rise, our goal is to help save thousands of people from diabetes-related sight loss.
Back a breakthrough
We know that our ageing population means that increasing numbers will be impacted by sight loss caused by diabetes. It is vital we work with partners to fund pioneering research to give people hope for the future. Help us do this by donating today.