Eye health
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a sight-threatening condition caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina from prolonged high blood sugar. Because it often has no early symptoms, a yearly dilated eye exam is the best way to protect your vision.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar can weaken its small blood vessels so they leak fluid or blood. In more advanced stages, fragile new vessels can grow on the retina. Fluid can also build up in the center of the retina (diabetic macular edema), which blurs reading and detail vision.
Symptoms
Often there are none until vision is already affected. Later signs can include:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- New floaters or dark spots
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Trouble seeing colors
Risk factors
- Having diabetes for many years
- Blood sugar that is not well controlled
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy in people with diabetes
- Smoking
How we help
- Yearly dilated diabetic eye exams to catch changes early
- Results shared with your primary care doctor
- Coordination with our Internal Medicine team on blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Referral to a retina specialist for treatment such as injections or laser when needed
Most diabetic eye exams are billed to your medical insurance.
Protecting your vision
- Keep your A1c, blood pressure and cholesterol in your target range
- Get a dilated eye exam every year, even if your vision seems fine
- Do not smoke
- Tell us right away about any change in your vision
When to get help right away: call us the same day if you notice sudden vision loss, a shower of new floaters or flashes of light.
FAQ
Common questions
How often should people with diabetes have an eye exam?
At least once a year, with dilation. Your doctor may recommend more frequent visits if changes are found.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Damage that has already happened may not fully reverse, but treatment and good blood sugar control can slow or stop it and help protect your remaining vision.
Is a diabetic eye exam covered by insurance?
Diabetic eye exams are medical exams and are usually billed to your medical insurance.
Related topics
Keep learning
- Glaucoma
- Retinal tears, detachment and vascular events
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
This information is for general education and does not replace a visit with your doctor.
Schedule your diabetic eye exam
Book online or call 630-242-2455.