Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common and often chronic eye condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, leading to redness, irritation, flaking, and crusting around the eyelashes. If left untreated, it can result in blurred vision, dry eyes, and discomfort. At Abra & Co, we specialise in professional blepharitis treatment in Manchester, offering tailored care and expert diagnosis to relieve your symptoms and restore comfort. Whether you’re experiencing persistent eye irritation or need ongoing lid hygiene support, our experienced optometrists are here to help.

The most direct impact of diabetes on the eye is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can lead to:

• Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): The early stage, where blood vessels in the retina weaken, bulge, and leak fluid into the surrounding retinal tissue, causing swelling and distorted vision.
• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): The more advanced form, characterized by the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the retina or the optic nerve, which can bleed into the eye and cause scarring or retinal detachment, leading to severe vision loss or blindness.
• Diabetic Maculopathy is a complication of diabetic retinopathy where fluid accumulates in the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. This swelling can lead to vision distortion or loss.
• Cataracts – Diabetes can lead to the earlier development of cataracts, a condition where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age, and the progression can be faster than in individuals without diabetes.
• The risk of glaucoma — a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve — is nearly double in people with diabetes. Glaucoma often leads to peripheral vision loss initially and can progress to total blindness if not treated.