What diabetes does to the retina
High sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. They leak fluid and blood, or close off. The macula, the centre you read with, can swell (diabetic macular oedema), which is the commonest cause of vision loss in diabetes.
Why there are no early warning signs
Early retinopathy is painless and does not blur vision. By the time you notice a problem, treatment is harder and some damage may be permanent.
How often to get checked
- Type 2 diabetes: at diagnosis, then every year
- Type 1 diabetes: from five years after diagnosis, then every year
- Any retinopathy found: every 3–6 months, as advised
- Pregnancy with diabetes: early in pregnancy and each trimester
What the check involves
Drops widen the pupil, then the doctor examines the retina; an OCT scan or retina photographs may be added. Vision is blurry for 3–4 hours afterwards, so bring someone with you. Bring your HbA1c, BP and kidney reports.
Treatment, if needed
- Better control of sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Anti-VEGF injections for macular swelling
- Laser to seal leaking vessels
- Surgery (vitrectomy) for bleeding that does not clear
More detail is on our diabetic retinopathy page, or book a retina check.
Questions
I see well. Do I still need a retina check?
Yes. Diabetic retinopathy can be quite advanced before it affects vision. The yearly check finds it early.
Can good sugar control reverse diabetic retinopathy?
Early changes can improve with good control of sugar and blood pressure. Advanced damage usually cannot be reversed, but further loss can be prevented.