Screening People with diabetes need retinal examinations at intervals based on diabetes type, duration, pregnancy and existing eye findings. Good glucose, blood-pressure and cholesterol control lowers risk.
Symptoms Early disease may cause no symptoms. Later signs include blurred vision, floaters, dark patches or sudden visual loss from bleeding or retinal complications.
Treatment Treatment may include anti-VEGF injections, laser or retinal surgery depending on swelling, abnormal blood vessels and severity.
Urgent care Sudden showers of floaters, a dark curtain or rapid visual decline requires urgent examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetic retinopathy exist without symptoms?
Yes, especially in early stages.
Does good sugar control eliminate all risk?
It lowers risk but does not replace eye screening.
Can treatment improve vision?
Some treatments can improve or stabilise vision, depending on the stage.
Are eye injections always lifelong?
Not always; frequency depends on response and disease activity.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.