Book Appointment Booklet

Don’t Lose Sight to Diabetes: Early Screening Saves Vision

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes. When blood sugar stays high for too long, it damages the tiny blood vessels in the eye (retina). This can lead to blurred vision, vision loss, or even blindness if not treated.

Fundus photograph of a healthy retina
Normal retina
Fundus photograph showing diabetic retinopathy changes
Diabetic retinopathy retina

Side-by-side: a healthy retina vs. changes seen in diabetic retinopathy.

The good news? With early check-ups and treatment, most vision problems can be prevented.

Stages of diabetic retinopathy

There are two main stages:

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy: retina illustration showing early changes

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Early stage (NPDR): Blood vessels weaken and leak, causing swelling. You may notice blurred vision.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: retina illustration showing abnormal vessel growth

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Advanced stage (PDR): New weak blood vessels grow, bleed, and can cause serious vision loss or even blindness.

Who is at risk?

You’re more likely to get diabetic retinopathy if you have:

  • Diabetes for many years
  • Poor blood sugar control
  • High blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Kidney problems
  • Smoking habits
  • Pregnancy (for women with diabetes)
Simulation of normal everyday vision
Normal vision
Simulation of vision affected by diabetic retinopathy
Vision with diabetic retinopathy

Common warning signs

  • Blurry vision
  • Dark spots or “floaters”
  • Empty or dark areas in vision
  • Faded colors
  • Sudden vision loss

How it’s detected

The only way to catch it early is with a diabetic eye screening:

  • Dilated eye exam (pupil widened to check retina)
  • Retina scan (OCT or fundus photo)
  • Fluorescein angiography (special dye test, in some cases)

Treatment options

  • Blood sugar, pressure & cholesterol control
  • Laser treatment
  • Eye injections (Anti-VEGF)
  • Surgery (vitrectomy)

Prevention is possible

  • Get a yearly diabetic eye screening
  • Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
  • Exercise, eat well, quit smoking
  • Treat other health problems early