Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) caused by long-term high blood sugar. The vessels can swell, leak fluid, or close off, and in later stages abnormal new vessels may grow. It develops gradually and often causes no symptoms until it is fairly advanced, which is why regular screening matters even when vision feels normal.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms in early stages
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Floaters or dark spots/strings drifting in vision
- Patchy or dark areas in the field of vision
- Difficulty seeing well at night
- Colours appearing faded or washed out
- Sudden vision loss (in advanced disease with bleeding)
Causes & risk factors
- Duration of diabetes (longer duration = higher risk)
- Poorly controlled blood sugar over time
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy (can accelerate existing retinopathy)
- Kidney disease
- Smoking
Diagnosis
- Dilated eye examination (drops widen the pupil for a clear retinal view)
- Fundus photography to record and track the retina over time
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to check for fluid/swelling
- Fluorescein angiography (dye test) in select cases to map abnormal vessels
Treatment options
- Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol — the foundation of care at every stage
- Anti-VEGF injections into the eye to reduce swelling and abnormal vessel growth
- Laser treatment (photocoagulation) to seal leaking vessels or stabilise advanced disease
- Vitrectomy surgery for severe bleeding or scar tissue in advanced cases
When to seek urgent care
Sudden vision loss, a sudden shower of new floaters, or a shadow/curtain across part of your vision needs same-day eye care — these can signal bleeding or retinal detachment. Otherwise, routine annual (or doctor-recommended interval) screening is the right pace for people with diabetes and no acute symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
I have diabetes but my vision is fine — do I still need an eye check?
Yes. Diabetic retinopathy usually causes no symptoms until it is advanced, so a dilated retina examination is recommended at least once a year even with normal vision, or more often if retinopathy is already found.
Can diabetic retinopathy be cured?
It cannot be reversed, but its progression can usually be slowed or stopped with blood sugar control and, when needed, injections or laser treatment — which is why early detection matters so much.
Will controlling my sugar alone fix my eyes?
Good sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control is the single most important step and can prevent or slow damage, but existing retinopathy may still need direct eye treatment alongside it.
Is diabetic retinopathy the same in both eyes?
Not necessarily — it can be more advanced in one eye than the other, which is another reason both eyes are checked and monitored separately.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: Diabetic Retinopathy — American Academy of Ophthalmology, Diabetic Retinopathy — National Eye Institute . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Content pending final medical review by BSEH doctors before publish.
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