Diabetes is a serious disease that if not controlled, can cause damage to most of the organs in your body. One third of diabetics have diabetic eye complications. Of these patients, 5% eventually go blind. This is mainly due to missed diagnosis.
It is therefore extremely important to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist when you are diagnosed with diabetes. Yearly consultations are usually required to detect problems early so that vision can be preserved.
OCT or optical coherence tomography scans are imperative in managing diabetic patients. A fluorescein angiogram is also done if retina complications are suspected. Patients with diabetes often develop cataracts sooner than other patients.
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Diabetic Eye Disease FAQ
- When should I see a specialist at Kloof Eye for my dry eyes?
You should seek a specialist evaluation if over-the-counter drops no longer provide relief or if your vision is becoming frequently blurred. Chronic inflammation from untreated Dry Eye can damage the corneal surface; our team at Kloof Eye uses advanced diagnostic tools to create a customised management plan for you.
- Why do my eyes water so much if they are supposed to be "dry"?
Excessive tearing is often a reflex response to the irritation caused by an underlying lack of quality, lubricating tears. When the eye surface becomes too dry, the brain signals for an emergency flood of “watery” tears, which lack the necessary oils to stay on the eye, leading to a cycle of dryness and tearing.
- Can Vitamin A or Omega-3 supplements help my dry eyes?
Yes, Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are clinically proven to improve the quality of the oil layer in your tears and reduce ocular inflammation. We often recommend specific pharmaceutical-grade supplements as part of a holistic treatment plan to support your long-term eye health in the dry Pretoria environment.
- What are Punctal Plugs, and are they permanent?
Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible inserts placed in the tear ducts to block drainage and keep your natural tears on the eye longer. This quick, painless “in-chair” procedure at our Erasmuskloof rooms can be temporary (dissolvable) or long-lasting (silicone), depending on the severity of your symptoms.
- Do "computer glasses" or blue light filters help with Dry Eye?
Blue light filters do not treat Dry Eye, but reducing screen glare and following the “20-20-20 rule” can significantly decrease digital eye strain. Because we blink 60% less when looking at screens, patients in the Constantia Park and Waterkloof areas often find that scheduled “blink breaks” help maintain a healthy tear layer during the workday.
- What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?
MGD is a condition where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked, causing your tears to evaporate too quickly. This is the leading cause of “Evaporative Dry Eye”; we use specialised diagnostic imaging in Pretoria East to check these glands and recommend targeted treatments like warm compresses or clinical lid expressions.
- Can Dry Eye be cured, or will I need drops forever?
While there is no permanent “cure” for chronic Dry Eye, modern treatments can provide long-term relief and reduce your dependence on daily drops. By identifying the root cause—such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—our specialists at Kloof Eye can implement advanced therapies that restore your natural tear film balance.
- What is Dry Eye Syndrome, and why is it so common in Pretoria?
Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, often exacerbated by Pretoria’s dry Highveld climate and air conditioning. At our Erasmuskloof practice, we treat patients whose symptoms are worsened by the low humidity and dust common in the Gauteng region, leading to persistent grittiness, redness, and blurred vision.