Quick Answer: Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the tiny blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, caused by long-term high blood sugar. It can progress silently and is a leading reason people with diabetes lose vision, but regular screening allows treatment before sight is lost.
In the early stages there are often none, which is why annual retinal examinations are advised for people with diabetes. Later signs can include floaters, blurred or fluctuating vision, dark areas in the field of view, and sudden vision changes that need prompt attention.
A dilated retinal examination is the standard, often supported by retinal imaging such as fundus photography and OCT.
Depending on the stage, treatment may include tight control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol together with your physician, retinal laser (see retinal green laser), intravitreal injections (intravitreal injections) or vitreoretinal surgery in advanced cases.
Read our guide on diabetic eye disease, or see retina care at Trivision.
Related treatment: Retina Care