Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. It can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated early, but regular screening greatly reduces this risk.
How diabetes affects the retina
High glucose weakens tiny retinal blood vessels, causing leaks, blockages, and abnormal new vessels. These changes can blur vision, cause bleeding, or lead to scar tissue and detachment.
- Background retinopathy causes small leaks but may not affect sight initially.
- Macular oedema leads to central blur and difficulty reading or recognising faces.
- Proliferative disease grows fragile new vessels that can bleed or scar.
- Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol slows progression.
- Smoking increases the chance of serious eye complications.
Screening and treatment
Yearly retinal photographs are essential for everyone with diabetes. Many sight-threatening changes are treatable if picked up in time.
- Laser treatment can seal leaks or shrink abnormal vessels.
- Injections into the eye reduce swelling and help clear macular fluid.
- Vitrectomy surgery treats severe bleeding or tractional detachment.
- Keeping clinic appointments allows close monitoring of both eyes.
- Report sudden floaters, vision loss, or distortion urgently.
