Diabetic Retinopathy

What is it?

Diabetic retinopathy is damage that diabetes mellitus can cause to the blood vessels of the retina, the layer of the eye that captures light and converts it into visual signals. It is one of the most common eye complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

It may cause no symptoms

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable visual symptoms, even when retinal blood vessel damage is already present. Regular fundus examinations are therefore important for every patient with diabetes, even when vision seems normal.

Evaluation

Evaluation is performed through a fundus examination. Depending on the findings, macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) or OCT angiography may provide a more detailed assessment of the retina.

General management options by severity

Management depends on the severity of retinopathy. Regular monitoring may be sufficient in the early stages. In more advanced stages, when the macula is affected or abnormal blood vessels proliferate, intravitreal anti-VEGF injections or laser treatment may be indicated. Initial evaluation and follow-up take place at the comprehensive ophthalmology locations; the appropriate procedure is determined during consultation based on the findings.

Where to receive an evaluation

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