Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially vision threatening condition where the blood vessels inside the retina become damaged and develop tiny leaks. These leaks cause fluid or blood to seep into the retina. Fatty materials, called exudates deposit in the retina. Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease and patients do not notice loss of vision until the disease becomes severe. When this occurs, the central part of the retina vision will be reduced or blurred.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you should schedule a complete exam with your ophthalmologist at least once a year and promptly if you experience a sudden change in your vision.

In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment has been shown to reduce vision loss. Surgery will not cure diabetic retinopathy. To help prevent vision loss, it is important to control your blood sugar.

In addition to diabetic retinopathy, diabetic patients may get cataracts at an earlier age and their chances of developing glaucoma are doubled.