Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by diabetes that damages the small blood vessels of the eye and the retina, which are essential for vision. This condition can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms, so you may not even know you have it. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience:

• Flying spots, flies in the field of vision;
• Blurred vision;
• Visual fluctuations;
• Impaired colour vision;
• Dark or empty spaces in your field of vision;
• Loss of vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. The risk of this complication is increased by:

• Duration of diabetes – the longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy;
• Poor blood glucose control;
• High blood pressure;
• High cholesterol;
• Pregnancy;
• Smoking.

The usual method of detection and diagnosis is a diabetic eye examination. The check-up takes about 30 minutes and involves examining the eyes and taking pictures of the retina to assess its condition.

You may need an additional examination if:

• The photos are not clear enough to give accurate results;
• You have retinopathy, which can affect your vision and requires further treatment;
• You have a retinopathy that requires a visit more than once a year;
• Other eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Eye drops may be used during the test – they may temporarily affect your vision, so ask at the time of the visit if you will be able to drive safely immediately after the test.