Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.

However, if a problem with your eyes is picked up early, lifestyle changes and/or treatment can stop it getting worse.

risk of diabetic retinopathy

Anyone with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes is potentially at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

You’re at a greater risk if you:

• have had diabetes for a long time
• have a persistently high blood sugar (blood glucose) level
• have high blood pressure
• have high cholesterol
• are pregnant
• are of Asian or Afro-Caribbean background

By keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, you can reduce your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

You won’t usually notice diabetic retinopathy in the early stages, as it doesn’t tend to have any obvious symptoms until it’s more advanced.

However, early signs of the condition can be picked up by taking photographs of the eyes during diabetic eye screening.

Contact your optician immediately if you experience:

• gradually worsening vision
• sudden vision loss
• shapes floating in your field of vision (floaters)
• blurred or patchy vision
• eye pain or redness