Regular retinal screening
Dilated examination, retinal imaging and OCT scans can find changes before you notice them. Your follow-up interval depends on the retinal findings and your wider health.
OVERVIEW
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes can damage the fine blood vessels that nourish the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy. Damaged vessels may leak fluid, bleed or cause abnormal new vessels to grow.
Early diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms, even when changes are visible during an eye examination. Regular screening matters even when your vision seems clear. We also assess retinal vein occlusions, where a blocked retinal vein can cause swelling or bleeding and lead to sudden or blurred vision.
SYMPTOMS
Signs to look out for
Symptoms can overlap across conditions. An eye examination is needed to identify the cause.
- No symptoms in early diabetic retinopathy
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- New floaters or dark spots
- A sudden change in vision
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail
TREATMENT
Treatment and monitoring options
Your plan depends on the cause, stage of disease, wider eye health and what matters in daily life.
Control of health risk factors
Blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol are important parts of retinal care. We work alongside your GP, optometrist and diabetes team rather than replacing their care.
Injections and retinal laser
Eye injections may be used for swelling at the macula, and retinal laser may be used for selected leaking or abnormal vessels. We explain the purpose, expected course and possible risks before treatment.
Surgical retinal care
Some advanced retinal problems need vitreoretinal surgery. The practice pathway will be confirmed, and we will coordinate referral when care is required elsewhere.