Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina).

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. This condition can lead to vision impairment and blindness if left undiagnosed or untreated. Early detection and treatment are essential to protect your vision.

Diabetic Eye Screening
A retina scan of an eye showing macular degeneration

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not present any symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice:

  • Spots or dark strings (floaters) in your vision
  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Dark or empty areas in your vision
  • Vision loss

If you have diabetes, it’s important to have regular eye exams to catch potential issues early.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

High blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, causing blockages, leaks, and abnormal vessel growth that can harm vision. Types of diabetic retinopathy include:

  1. Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage, where blood vessels weaken and may leak fluid into the retina.
  2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage, with abnormal blood vessel growth, leading to possible bleeding and retinal detachment.

Risk Factors

Individuals with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Risk factors include:

  • Long-term diabetes
  • Poor blood sugar control
  • High blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • If you are of Asian, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic, or Native American background

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have diabetes, it’s important to schedule annual eye exams, even if your vision seems normal. Regular exams allow early detection of diabetic retinopathy before symptoms appear.

Diabetic Eye Screening

Seek Immediate Medical Attention if You Notice:

  • Sudden or severe vision changes
  • New floaters or dark spots in your vision
  • Flashes of light
  • Blurred or patchy vision that worsens quickly
  • Eye pain or redness

These symptoms may indicate advanced diabetic retinopathy or complications like retinal detachment.

Diabetic Eye Screening

Everyone with diabetes aged 12 and over is eligible for regular eye screening. Screening can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy before symptoms appear, allowing for timely treatment to reduce vision loss risks.

For more information on diabetic eye screening, visit our Diabetic Eye Screening page…

More About Diabetic Eye Screening

Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy is only necessary if screening detects significant problems that mean your vision is at risk.

The main treatments for more advanced diabetic retinopathy are:

  • Laser treatment
  • Injections of medication into your eyes
  • An operation to remove blood or scar tissue from your eyes

As an optician, we don’t offer these services, but they are freely available on the NHS or through other private clinics.