Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of vision loss in adults. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina (the light-sensitive layer of the eye).

Who is at Risk?

  • Long duration of diabetes
  • Poor sugar control
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking

Symptoms

Early stages may have no symptoms at all, which is why screening is important. Later signs include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters
  • Difficulty seeing at night

Treatment Options

  • Laser therapy
  • Anti-VEGF eye injections
  • Vitrectomy surgery (advanced cases)

Prevention

  • Keep HbA1c < 7%
  • Yearly dilated eye examination
  • Control BP and cholesterol