Diabetic retinopathy (simply called ‘retinopathy’ here) is damage to the retina (the ‘seeing’ part at the back of the eye) and is a complication that can affect anyone who has diabetes.
Retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness among people of working age in the UK. It is important to understand what it is, how it is treated, what can be done to reduce the risk of developing it and what positive actions you can take.
Here we aim to provide you with information on how having diabetes can affect your eyes and vision.
Retinopathy at a glance
The information below is only a summary of different types of retinopathy and treatment options. It is important to also read about how you can reduce your risk of developing retinopathy.
| Condition |
Signs |
Treatment |
Side effects |
| Background retinopathy |
None. Condition identified through annual screening |
Needed as appropriate if develops to more serious retinopathy |
Not applicable |
| Maculopathy |
Blurred vision |
Laser |
Temporary worsening of vision.
If many sessions are had, may lose quality of sight and sometimes peripheral vision may be reduced. |
| Maculopathy |
Blurred vision |
Anti-VEGF medications (intra-ocular injection) |
Can stabilise and improve vision.
Raised eye pressure for a few hours.
See floating medicice for a few weeks. |
| Proliferative retinopathy |
Loss of areas of sight |
Laser |
Temporary worsening of vision.
If many sessions are had, may lose quality of sight and sometimes peripheral vision may be reduced. |
Detached retina/
Haemorrhages |
Loss of vision |
Vitrectomy |
Blurred vision for several weeks.
Sensitive, swollen or red eyes following the operation. |
It is important to know that signs of retinopathy tend to show only once the condition is quite advanced. Annual retinal screening will detect retinopathy early and therefore increase the chances of minimal and more effective treatment.
Reviewed March 2011
Next review September 2012