What is this?
Diabetes can damage small blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy may be present for a long time without symptoms and can later threaten vision.
EYE CONDITION
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes can cause changes in retinal blood vessels; regular eye assessment can be important.
Key points
- Early retinal changes may go unnoticed.
- Blurred vision, spots or fluctuating vision can occur but are not specific to diabetic retinopathy.
- Good diabetes management and regular eye checks are important for reducing risk.
What may be assessed?
Depending on the situation, assessment may include a dilated retinal examination, retinal photography and OCT to evaluate the retina and macula.
What happens next?
Abnormal findings may lead to closer monitoring or ophthalmology referral. A sudden significant reduction in vision needs prompt assessment.