Condition5 min read
Diabetic retinopathy
Long-term high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. There are usually no symptoms early on, so it is found by regular eye exams before it threatens sight.
An eye disease that affects people with diabetes and affects the retinal vessels. The NEI states that more than half of people with diabetes will develop it over time. Late symptoms: blurred vision, floaters, and it may reach blindness. The NEI recommends a dilated eye examination at least once a year.
Associated conditions include diabetic macular oedema (fluid leaking into the central macula), neovascular glaucoma, and tractional retinal detachment. It is diagnosed by a dilated eye examination and fluorescein angiography may be added. Treatment includes intraocular injections (anti-VEGF or corticosteroids), laser, and vitrectomy.
In one minute12
- What is it?
- Damage to the retinal vessels of the eye caused by chronic high blood sugar.
- Who is usually affected?
- People with diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational); risk rises with longer duration of diabetes and with high blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Acute or chronic?
- Chronic and progressive; the early stages have no symptoms.
- Main symptoms
- Blurred vision and floaters in the late stages.
- Red flags?
- Yes: a sudden deterioration in vision.
- Preventable?
- Control sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and have regular eye examinations.
What is it?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes, and affects the retinal vessels.
The NEI states that more than half of people with diabetes will develop it over time, and that about 1 in every 15 people with diabetes develops diabetic macular oedema.
Causes
High blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels.
Risk factors
Type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes, long duration of diabetes, pregnancy with diabetes, and high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Symptoms
Often no symptoms in the early stages, and it may be found on examination. In the late stages: blurred vision, floating spots or streaks, reduced vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, and it may reach blindness.
Associated conditions: diabetic macular oedema (fluid leakage affecting central vision), neovascular glaucoma, and tractional retinal detachment.
How is it diagnosed?
The NEI recommends a dilated eye examination at least once a year for everyone with diabetes, and it may be needed every 2 to 4 months for someone with retinopathy. Fluorescein angiography is used in suspected severe cases or macular oedema.
In the United Kingdom the NHS invites people with diabetes aged 12 and over to an eye screening with retinal photography every one to two years (a British procedure).
Treatment
The treatment categories usually used are listed here; this is not a prescription. The doctor chooses the plan according to each person's condition; do not change any medicine or dose without a specialist.
Intraocular injections (anti-VEGF or corticosteroids), laser treatment to shrink vessels and ease swelling, and vitrectomy for bleeding or major scarring.
In the early stages the NHS often relies on monitoring, and advanced stages are referred to a specialist. No doses are given.
Prevention
Control sugar through physical activity, healthy eating and adherence to medicines, control blood pressure and cholesterol, avoid smoking, and attend eye examination appointments.
When do you need urgent help?
Get urgent care today
- A sudden deterioration in vision or new blurring in someone with diabetes.2
See your doctor within days
- No dilated eye examination in the last year for someone with diabetes.1
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Do I need an eye examination if my vision is good?
Yes. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages, and the NEI recommends a dilated eye examination at least yearly for everyone with diabetes.1
Questions for your doctor
- When is my next eye examination and how often do I need it?
- Do I have signs of retinopathy or macular oedema?
- Do I need imaging, laser treatment or injections?
- How can I lower the risk of the condition worsening?
References
- 1NEI / NIH. Diabetic Retinopathy. www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathyHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03
- 2NHS. Diabetic retinopathy. www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
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Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.