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Condition Guide

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic Retinopathy & Related Conditions

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye — leading to diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Together, these are called diabetic eye disease.

All people with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes are at risk. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop retinopathy. The good news: with annual dilated eye exams and good diabetes management, vision loss is often preventable.

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Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

How It Progresses

Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms in its early stages — changes to your vision may not be noticeable until significant damage has occurred. This makes annual exams essential for all diabetic patients.

01
Mild Non-Proliferative

Small balloon-like swellings (microaneurysms) in blood vessels of the retina. No vision symptoms at this stage, but regular monitoring is essential to prevent progression.

02
Moderate to Severe

More blood vessels become blocked, depriving the retina of its blood supply. The retina sends signals for the body to grow new blood vessels. Vision may begin to be affected at this stage.

03
Proliferative Retinopathy

Fragile new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These can bleed into the vitreous (gel-like fluid in the eye), causing floaters or severe vision loss. Retinal detachment is also possible.

04
Diabetic Macular Edema

Fluid accumulation in the macula (central retina) causing central vision blurring. Can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.

Treatment Options

  • Anti-VEGF Injections

    Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage. Highly effective for diabetic macular edema and proliferative retinopathy.

  • Laser Photocoagulation

    Seals leaking blood vessels and slows abnormal vessel growth. Reduces the risk of severe vision loss by up to 95% in some cases.

  • Vitrectomy

    Surgical removal of blood-filled vitreous or scar tissue for advanced cases with vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment.

Prevention Is Key

Controlling blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can prevent or delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Patients with proliferative retinopathy can reduce their risk of blindness by 95% with timely treatment.

  • Annual dilated eye exam — even without symptoms
  • Tight blood sugar control (target HbA1c)
  • Blood pressure and cholesterol management
  • No smoking
  • Regular exercise and healthy diet

Annual Exams for Diabetic Patients

If you have diabetes, a comprehensive dilated eye exam every year is essential — even if your vision seems fine. Same-day appointments available.

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