Eye condition · Eye diseases
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina without symptoms. Learn why a yearly dilated eye exam matters and how treatment prevents vision loss.
Get help the same day if you have
- A sudden increase in floaters or dark strings in your vision
- Sudden blurred or lost vision
- A dark curtain or shadow over part of your vision
Call an eye doctor now or go to an emergency department. Eye emergencies guide
What it is
High blood sugar over time damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. Vessels can leak, close off, or be replaced by fragile new vessels that bleed. Fluid can also collect in the macula (diabetic macular edema), blurring central vision. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.
Symptoms
Early stages usually have no symptoms. Later you may notice:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Floaters or dark spots
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Trouble seeing colors
Who is at risk
Anyone with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. The risk rises the longer you have diabetes and with high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and pregnancy.
How it is diagnosed
A comprehensive dilated eye exam lets the doctor see the retina. Retinal photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography show leaks and swelling in detail.
Treatment
- Managing diabetes: steady blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol slow damage
- Anti-VEGF injections: reduce macular swelling and abnormal vessels
- Laser treatment: seals leaks or shrinks abnormal vessels
- Vitrectomy surgery: removes blood or scar tissue from inside the eye
Prevention
A yearly dilated eye exam is the single most effective step, because treatment works best before vision is affected. Use our exam schedule tool to set a reminder.
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Questions people ask
How often should people with diabetes have an eye exam?
At least once a year with dilated pupils, and more often if retinopathy is found or during pregnancy. Your eye doctor sets the interval.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Treatment can stop leaking and abnormal vessels and often improves swelling in the macula. Damage that has already caused scarring may not fully recover, so early treatment is key.