The first step is understanding your condition—learning how it progresses, what treatment options are available, and what actions you can take now to preserve your vision. Many people feel helpless after diagnosis, but you have options.

What is diabetic eye disease?

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of conditions caused by high blood sugar damaging the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. These conditions include:

• Diabetic retinopathy: Small blood vessels in the retina become weak and can leak, leading to vision problems.
• Diabetic macular edema (DME): Swelling in the central part of the retina, causing blurred vision.
• Diabetic maculopathy: Damage specifically affecting central vision, impacting reading, driving, and facial recognition.

Physical implications of diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease can progress silently, often worsening before symptoms appear. If left untreated, it typically leads to:

• Blurred or distorted vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces.
• Floaters or dark spots due to bleeding in the eye.
• Sudden vision loss; in advanced stages, severe bleeding or retinal detachment can cause blindness.

Timelines for progression

Diabetic eye disease typically develops gradually over several years. Its progression depends on blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and early intervention. The stages generally follow this pattern:

• Mild non-proliferative retinopathy: Small swelling areas and tiny bleeds; usually symptom-free.
• Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy: Reduction in blood flow starts impacting vision.
• Severe non-proliferative retinopathy: Increased risk of vision loss due to significant blood vessel damage.
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Growth of fragile vessels, severe bleeding, and risk of retinal detachment and blindness.

Conventional treatments

Currently, standard treatments include:

While these treatments can help, early intervention is key to preserving vision.

Take control of your eye health with Noctura 400

Noctura 400 is a clinically proven, non-invasive sleep mask designed specifically to treat diabetic eye disease while you sleep. Low-level light reduces the retina’s oxygen demand and prevents hypoxia, potentially avoiding painful injections or invasive laser procedures later on.

Availability from your doctor

If you have Diabetic Retinopathy or Diabetic Macular Oedema and you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, check with your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Start this week

The Noctura 400 is a sleep mask that treats diabetic eye disease every
night while you sleep.

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Your Noctura 400 sleep mask will be delivered within 5 working days, straight to your door.

Start using Noctura 400

Use it every night when you go to sleep to help treat and prevent your diabetic eye disease.

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How Noctura 400 helps you

• Reduces risk of vision loss
• Slows or halts disease progression
• Provides a non-invasive alternative to injections and laser therapy

“Three years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and sent for laser therapy. I feared losing my job and my ability to drive. After starting Noctura 400, my condition stabilized. I went from 12 bleeds a year to just one. I still drive to work every day.“

– Sue Wales, NHS worker

What to expect next

A diagnosis of diabetic eye disease doesn’t immediately mean vision loss. Acting early to protect your eyesight is essential. Noctura 400 can be used alongside NHS treatments to help maintain your vision and quality of life.