If you have diabetic retinopathy, the small blood vessels in your retina leak blood and fluid into the retina – the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of your eye. Although this does not affect your vision in the early stages, if it is left untreated it may lead to sight loss.
Diabetic retinopathy affects people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, especially if you:
You can reduce your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy by keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy do not usually have any particular symptoms, so if you are diabetic it is important that you are regularly checked for diabetic retinopathy. With a few exceptions, the NHS arranges for all people who have diabetes and are aged 12 and over to be invited to have screening for diabetic retinopathy. Everyone with diabetes who is 12 years old or over is invited for eye screening every 2 years. Those at higher risk of sight loss will be invited annually or six- monthly. It is very important that you have this done regularly, as early detection of diabetic retinopathy means that treatment is more effective.
If the condition progresses, you may experience the following symptoms:
You will usually be treated for diabetic retinopathy in hospital. The main treatments are:
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