Diabetic Retinopathy
A complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels of the retina. Because it may cause no early symptoms, an annual eye exam is essential.
How Diabetes Affects the Retina
Persistently elevated blood glucose damages the walls of tiny blood vessels in the retina. These vessels may leak fluid and blood or become blocked, leaving areas of the retina deprived of oxygen. This process is known as diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of preventable vision loss in working-age adults.
Risk increases with the duration of diabetes, fluctuating blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney disease. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients can be affected.
Stages of the Disease
In the non-proliferative stage, microaneurysms, small hemorrhages, and lipid exudates appear. Often there are no symptoms, and vision may seem completely normal.
In the proliferative stage, oxygen-deprived retina stimulates the growth of fragile new blood vessels. These vessels can bleed into the gel of the eye (vitreous hemorrhage) or form scar tissue that pulls on the retina, causing tractional retinal detachment.
At any stage, diabetic macular edema—fluid accumulation in the central retina—can develop and is the most common cause of blurry vision in patients with diabetes.
Screening & OCT
Because diabetic retinopathy is often silent, a dilated fundus examination should be performed at least once a year for every person with diabetes, or more frequently if changes are already present. OCT complements the exam and detects macular edema even before the patient notices visual blurring.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the stage of the disease and may combine:
- •Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections or corticosteroid implants for diabetic macular edema.
- •Laser photocoagulation of the peripheral retina in proliferative forms.
- •Vitrectomy surgery in cases of persistent vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment.
- •Strict control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids in coordination with your endocrinologist or clinician.
This condition is part of the Retina & Intravitreal Injections specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
My vision is completely clear. Do I still need a retinal exam?
Yes. Diabetic retinopathy can reach advanced stages without causing any noticeable symptoms. An annual dilated eye exam allows treatment before vision loss occurs.
Can treatment restore vision that has already been lost?
It depends on the duration and severity of the damage. Treating diabetic macular edema frequently improves visual acuity, while the primary goal is always preventing further loss.