Diabetic retinopathy: protecting your sight when you have diabetes
Diabetes can damage the retina without symptoms. Learn how diabetic retinopathy develops, why yearly eye screening matters, and how it is treated.
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the small blood vessels of the retina caused by high blood sugar over time. It is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults, yet it often has no symptoms in the early stages. Regular eye screening and good diabetes control protect your sight.
How diabetes affects the eye
Early changes
In early diabetic retinopathy, small blood vessels in the retina weaken, bulge and leak. Vision is usually normal at this stage.
Advanced disease
As the condition progresses, fluid can collect in the centre of the retina (diabetic macular oedema), blurring vision. In proliferative retinopathy, fragile new blood vessels grow and may bleed or pull on the retina.
Why screening matters
How often to be checked
Because early disease is silent, everyone with diabetes should have a dilated eye examination or retinal photography at least once a year, or more often if retinopathy is found. Pregnant women with diabetes need closer checks.
Reducing your risk
Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol within the targets your doctors set lowers the risk of retinopathy and slows it down. Not smoking, staying active and attending every eye appointment all help.
Treatment options
Injections
Injections of medicine into the eye can reduce swelling and abnormal blood vessel growth. They are usually given as a course, with regular reviews.
Laser and surgery
Laser treatment can seal leaking vessels or shrink new ones. When there is bleeding into the eye or the retina is pulled, vitrectomy surgery may be advised.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have diabetic retinopathy and still see well?
Yes. Early retinopathy usually causes no symptoms, which is why yearly screening is important even when your vision feels normal.
Does diabetic retinopathy always lead to blindness?
No. With early detection, good diabetes control and timely treatment, serious vision loss can often be prevented.
What should I bring to my eye screening?
Bring your glasses, a list of your medicines and your latest blood sugar results. Arrange a ride home, as drops to widen the pupils blur vision for a few hours.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kok Howe Sen
Consultant Ophthalmologist · ISEC KL · reviewed 16 Oct 2026
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation. Every eye is different: please see an eye doctor about your own symptoms and treatment.
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