What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes.

If you have diabetes, the tiny blood vessels in your retina (the layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye) can slowly become damaged. This can cause problems with your eyesight.

Usually, both eyes are affected.

It's important to have regular eye tests if you have diabetes, to check for diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

If you have diabetic retinopathy, you might:

• have blurred or distorted vision
• have patchy vision that can't be corrected with prescription glasses
• become sensitive to light or glare
• have eye floaters (moving specks) in your vision
• have gradual or sudden loss of vision

You might not notice any symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. So, it's important to have regular eye tests if you have diabetes.

What causes diabetic retinopathy?

High blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with diabetes can cause long-term complications. One complication is diabetic retinopathy, where the tiny blood vessels in your retina (at the back of your eyes) slowly become damaged.

High blood glucose levels can affect and change:

• the components of your blood
• your blood vessel walls
• blood flow

These changes can cause the blood vessels in your retina to swell, leak and bleed. Abnormal new blood vessels may also form in your retina. The part of your retina called the macula may swell — this is called 'macular oedema'.

Sometimes, you can have retinal detachment.

What can increase my risk of diabetic retinopathy?

The longer you have had diabetes, the more likely it is that you will get diabetic retinopathy. Your chance of getting diabetic retinopathy is also increased if:

• your blood sugar levels are not well controlled
• you have high blood pressure
• you have high cholesterol
• you smoke
• you have diabetic kidney disease

When should I see my doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and have new eye symptoms, see your ophthalmologist urgently.

You should have your eyes tested 2 to 5 years after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. You should have repeat eye tests every 1 to 2 years.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should have your eyes checked when your diabetes is first diagnosed. You should have repeat eye tests every 1 to 2 years.

If you have any changes to your vision, see an optometrist or your doctor as soon as you can.

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your eyesight and whether you have had recent symptoms. They will also want to know about your diabetes, overall health and medicines you are taking.

Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed with an eye test. During an eye test, your vision will be tested and your eyes examined. Eye drops may be given to help to see the back of your eye. A photo may be taken of your retina.

Eye tests can be done by:

• your doctor
• an optometrist (an expert in eye health)
• an ophthalmologist (a doctor who has specialised in eye conditions)

Your doctor or optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist for more tests and treatment.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated?

Treatments for diabetic retinopathy can slow or prevent vision loss. It's best to start treatment as soon as you can.

Treating diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol

To preserve your vision, it's important to:

• control your blood glucose (sugar) levels
• keep your blood pressure in a healthy range
• keep your cholesterol at a healthy level

To manage your diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, your doctor may recommend:

• taking medicines
• eating a healthy diet
• getting regular exercise

Eye treatments

Treatments for diabetic retinopathy include:

• laser treatment
• injections of medicines into the eyes
• eye surgery

Your ophthalmologist can discuss these treatments and whether they may be suitable for you. Sometimes a combination of therapies is used.

Living with diabetic retinopathy

If your vision is affected by diabetic retinopathy, it can:

• impact your ability to drive
• increase your risk of falls
• cause trouble with reading or watching television
• make it hard to see in glary conditions

Talk to your doctor, optometrist or ophthalmologist about how to manage your symptoms.

Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?

You can reduce your chance of getting of diabetic retinopathy (or stop it getting worse) by:

• controlling your blood glucose levels
• keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range
• keeping your cholesterol levels in a healthy range
• not smoking

Having regular eye checks is important. This is so that any early changes can be found and treated, before symptoms develop.

Resources and support

Visit Vision Australia for a factsheet on diabetic retinopathy or for services and support. You can call Vision Australia on 1300 84 7466.

Visit Diabetes Australia for information on eye health and living with diabetes. You can also:

• call Diabetes Australia on 1800 177 055
• find diabetes resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• get multicultural diabetes resources
• sign up for free diabetes eye check reminders with KeepSight

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) has a range of resources, including on eye health, and support services. The NDSS website also has diabetes information in languages other than English. Call the helpline on 1800 637 700.

To find your nearest optometrist visit Optometry Australia.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.