Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can develop in people with diabetes. Persistently high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the layer at the back of the eye that senses light. These vessels may swell, leak fluid or blood, or become blocked, which can disturb vision and, over time, threaten sight if not managed.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and one of the leading causes of sight loss among working-age adults. Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop it, and the risk increases the longer a person has diabetes and when blood sugar is poorly controlled. Many people with long-standing diabetes have some degree of it.

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms at all, which is why regular screening matters so much. As it advances, people may notice gradually worsening or blurred vision, dark spots or floaters drifting across their sight, difficulty seeing at night, or patches of missing vision. A sudden change in vision should always be checked promptly.

The condition is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels damaging the delicate blood vessels of the retina. The risk is greater the longer someone has diabetes and is increased by poorly controlled blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and pregnancy in women with diabetes. Keeping these factors well managed lowers the chance of serious eye damage.

Diabetic retinopathy is usually found through diabetic eye screening, which most people with diabetes are invited to attend regularly. Drops are used to widen the pupil, and photographs or a detailed examination of the retina are taken to look for early changes. Further scans of the back of the eye may be used to assess any swelling or damage more closely.

In the early stages, the main approach is careful control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with regular monitoring of the eyes. If the condition becomes more advanced, treatments such as laser therapy, injections into the eye, or surgery may be used to protect vision. An eye specialist will recommend the most suitable option based on your situation.

While it cannot always be prevented, the risk can be greatly reduced by managing diabetes well. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within target ranges, not smoking, eating healthily, and staying active all help protect the eyes. Attending diabetic eye screening as invited is essential, as it can catch changes early, before they affect your sight.