Diabetes-Related Retinal Conditions
Diabetes-related retinal conditions occur when prolonged or poorly controlled blood glucose levels damage the small blood vessels that supply the retina, affecting its ability to function properly.
Understanding Diabetes-Related Retinal Conditions
Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetes-related retinal conditions occur when prolonged or poorly controlled blood glucose levels damage the small blood vessels that supply the retina, affecting its ability to function properly.
The most common diabetes-related retinal condition is Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a progressive disease that can cause vision changes and, if untreated, vision loss.
Diabetic retinal disease is one of the leading causes of preventable vision impairment worldwide. However, early detection, regular eye screening, effective diabetes management, and advances in treatment can help protect vision and reduce the risk of severe complications.
Retina International works with people affected by retinal conditions, patient organisations, researchers, clinicians, and healthcare partners to improve awareness, support access to care, and ensure that patient experiences inform research and innovation.
3 main forms
Diabetes-related retinal disease includes Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), and Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO).
Often no early symptoms
Diabetic Retinopathy can develop without noticeable vision changes, making regular retinal screening important.
Longer diabetes duration increases risk
The risk of diabetic retinopathy rises the longer a person has diabetes, particularly when blood glucose is poorly controlled.
What are Diabetes-Related Retinal Conditions?
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
Diabetic Retinopathy is a retinal condition caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina associated with diabetes.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can weaken retinal blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid or blood, become blocked, or trigger abnormal blood vessel growth.
Diabetic Retinopathy can affect people with:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Other forms of diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy generally progresses through two main stages: Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR).
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy is the earlier stage of diabetic retinal disease.
In NPDR, damage occurs to the small blood vessels of the retina. These vessels may weaken, leak fluid, or become blocked, affecting retinal function.
NPDR can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of blood vessel damage.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy is an advanced stage of diabetic retinal disease.
When areas of the retina do not receive enough oxygen due to damaged or blocked blood vessels, the retina may respond by growing abnormal new blood vessels.
These new vessels are fragile and can bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye, potentially causing serious vision complications.
Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)
Diabetic Macular Oedema occurs when damaged retinal blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
The accumulation of fluid causes swelling and can affect activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces.
DMO can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and is one of the most common causes of vision loss associated with diabetes.
How Diabetes-Related Retinal Conditions can affect vision
NPDR Symptoms
Many people with NPDR have no symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Possible symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Changes in vision that come and go
- Increased difficulty seeing in low light
PDR Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden appearance of floaters
- Dark spots or shadows in vision
- Blurred vision
- Sudden vision loss if bleeding occurs
Significant disease can develop before symptoms are noticed.
DMO Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Blurred central vision
- Distorted vision
- Difficulty reading
- Reduced ability to see fine detail
- Colours appearing less vivid
Any sudden change or deterioration in vision should be assessed promptly.
Identifying Diabetes-related retinal disease
Retinal Examination
A dilated eye examination allows an eye care professional to assess the retina for signs of blood vessel damage and disease progression.
Retinal Photography
Retinal photographs can document changes over time and support screening and monitoring.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT provides detailed images of retinal layers and is particularly important for detecting and monitoring retinal swelling associated with DMO.
OCT Angiography
OCT angiography can provide information about retinal blood vessels and changes in retinal circulation.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein angiography may be used where needed to assess blood vessel leakage and abnormalities.
Regular screening allows retinal changes to be detected before significant vision loss occurs.
Supporting independence
Managing Diabetes and Overall Health
Management may include:
- Improving blood glucose control
- Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
- Maintaining cardiovascular health
- Stopping smoking
- Regular retinal monitoring
NPDR Treatment & Management
Treatment aims to prevent further vision loss and preserve retinal function.
Options may include:
- Laser photocoagulation
- Anti-VEGF injections
- Vitrectomy surgery for complications such as severe bleeding or retinal detachment
PDR Treatment & Management
Treatment aims to prevent further vision loss and preserve retinal function.
Options may include:
- Laser photocoagulation
- Anti-VEGF injections
- Vitrectomy surgery for complications such as severe bleeding or retinal detachment
DMO Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on the severity of retinal swelling and individual circumstances.
Options may include:
- Anti-VEGF injections
- Steroid treatments in selected cases
- Laser treatment in some situations
- Management of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors
Regular monitoring is important to maintain vision and adjust treatment when needed.
Vision Rehabilitation
People experiencing vision loss may benefit from vision rehabilitation and practical support, including:
- Magnification devices
- Accessible technology
- Reading aids
- Lighting adaptations
- Mobility support
Advancing the future of diabetes-related retinal conditions treatment
Earlier Detection
Research includes:
- Artificial intelligence for earlier detection
- Improved retinal imaging
- Biomarkers to predict disease progression
New Treatments
Research is investigating:
- New treatments targeting inflammation and blood vessel changes
- Longer-lasting treatments
- New drug targets
- Improved treatment delivery methods
- Personalised treatment strategies
Diabetic Macular Oedema Research
Research into DMO includes longer-acting injectable therapies, approaches to reduce treatment burden, artificial intelligence for early detection, personalised treatment strategies, and improved retinal imaging technologies.
Clinical research
Clinical research continues to investigate new approaches to preventing vision loss and improving outcomes for people living with diabetes-related retinal disease.
Patient involvement remains important in ensuring that research reflects the priorities and experiences of people affected by these conditions.
Learn About Clinical trialsInformation and community support
Take the Next Step
Retina International connects people affected by retinal conditions with information, patient organisations, and communities around the world.
Through collaboration with researchers, clinicians, and advocates, we support efforts to improve awareness, access to care, and future treatments for retinal conditions.
