---
title: What are diabetic retinopathy symptoms?
description: "Diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is essential. As it advances, it can lead to blurred vision, floaters, and eventually severe sight loss if untreated. ## Early and Moderate Stages Non-proliferative…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/symptoms-signs/what-are-diabetic-retinopathy-symptoms/"
updated: "2025-12-12"
category: "Symptoms & Signs"
---

# What are diabetic retinopathy symptoms?

Diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is essential. As it advances, it can lead to blurred vision, floaters, and eventually severe sight loss if untreated.

## Early and Moderate Stages

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy may progress silently, but macular oedema can cause gradual central blur, difficulty reading, and changes in colour perception.

- Fluctuating vision linked to blood sugar variation
- Blurred or wavy central vision from macular oedema
- Occasional floaters from small haemorrhages

## Advanced Stages

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy can cause sudden floaters, dark spots, or loss of vision due to vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment.

## Further Information

Symptoms and treatment options are discussed in the Blue Fin Vision® articles [what is diabetic retinopathy?](https://bluefinvision.com/blog/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy/) and [proliferative vs non?proliferative diabetic retinopathy](https://bluefinvision.com/blog/proliferative-vs-non-proliferative-diabetic-retinopathy-understanding-the-differences/).