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Diabetic retinopathy

If you have diabetes this does not necessarily mean that your sight will be affected, but there is a higher risk. If your diabetes is well controlled then you are less likely to have problems, or they may be less serious.

Why are regular eye examinations important?

Most sight loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented but it is vital that it is diagnosed early. You may not realise that there is anything wrong with your eyesight, so regular eye checks are extremely important.

How can diabetes affect the eye?

Your eye has a lens and an aperture (opening) at the front, which adjusts to bring objects into focus on the retina at the back of the eye. The retina is made up of delicate tissue that is sensitive to light, rather like the film in the camera.

At the centre of the retina is the macula which is a small area about the size of a pinhead. This is most highly specialised part of the retina and it is vital because it enables you to see fine detail and read small print. The other parts of the retina give you side vision (peripheral vision). Filling the cavity of the eye in front of the retina is a clear jelly-like substance called the vitreous humour.

Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways. These usually involve the fine network of blood vessels in the retina - hence the term diabetic retinopathy.

The importance of early treatment

Although your vision may be good, changes can be taking place to your retina that need treatment. And because most sight loss in diabetes is preventable: 

  • Early diagnosis is vital 

  • Have an eye examination every year 

  • Do not wait until your vision has deteriorated to have an eye test. 

Your family doctor, diabetologist or optometrist can examine for diabetic retinopathy. Photographs are sometimes used to detect abnormalities without any other form of test. If a problem is found you will be referred to a consultant ophthalmologist (a doctor specialising in eyes) at a hospital eye clinic.

Remember, however, that if your vision is getting worse, this does not necessarily mean you have diabetic retinopathy. It may simply be a problem that can be corrected by glasses.

What is the treatment?

Most sight-threatening diabetic problems can be prevented by laser treatment if it is given early enough. It is important to realise however, that laser treatment aims to save the sight you have - not to make it better. The laser, a beam of high intensity light, can be focused with extreme precision. So the blood vessels that are leaking fluid into the retina can be sealed.

This factsheet is designed to give you a very brief introduction to the subject of diabetic retinopathy.

Further information is available from RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) Tel: 0345 669999

RNIB works for the estimated 1.7 million people with serious sight problems in the UK with information, help and services.

Eyecare Trust

We are indebted to the Eyecare Trust for providing the content for this section