Diabetic Retinopathy

Freedom from glasses starts here.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of your eye. The condition can affect anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop this eye complication.

Signals sent from the retina to the brain allow you to see. Diabetes affects the retina when high blood sugar levels cause blockage to the blood vessels that nourish the retina, cutting off its blood supply. This loss of blood flow to the retina causes abnormal new vessels to grow. These new vessels can leak and create scar tissue that can cause loss of vision.

Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy

Anyone who has diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk factors that increase your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy include:

Longer duration of diabetes
Poor control of blood sugar level
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

It’s uncommon to have symptoms during the early stages of the condition. The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy often don’t appear until major damage occurs inside the eye. You can reduce your risk of damage to the retina by managing your blood sugar levels and getting regular eye exams to monitor your eye health.

When symptoms do appear, they can include:

Blurred vision
Fluctuating vision
Dark spots or strings in your vision (floaters)
Dark or empty areas in your vision
Loss of vision

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy

Treatment for early diabetic retinopathy is focused on monitoring your eye health and managing your diabetes. Treatment for advanced diabetic retinopathy depends on the type of damage and severity of retinopathy.

Treatment options include injections, surgery and laser treatment:

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs injected into the eye inhibits the growth of new, leaky blood vessels.
A surgical procedure called a vitrectomy may be needed if a lot of blood has leaked into the eye and the vision does not clear or if the retina has detached. The vitreous, a jelly-like substance that fills the back of the eye, is removed and replaced with a salt solution to clear away the blood that’s affecting your vision. Scar tissue may also be removed during a vitrectomy.
Laser treatment, also known as photocoagulation, can be used to shrink or seal the abnormal blood vessels.

How is diabetic retinopathy prevented?

If you have diabetes, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by:

Getting regular eye exams
Keeping your blood sugar levels within target
Maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a healthy range
Not smoking
Eating nutritious food and exercising regularly

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Diabetic Retinopathy Complications

Diabetic eye disease can lead to several complications. These are not inevitable, but they are important to understand so warning signs are taken seriously.

Diabetic Macular Oedema

Macular oedema is swelling in the macula that can blur or distort central vision. It can occur at different stages of retinopathy and is a common reason for treatment.

Vitreous Haemorrhage

Fragile abnormal vessels can bleed into the vitreous, causing sudden floaters, haze, or significant vision loss. Some bleeds clear on their own, but others need treatment or surgery depending on severity and recurrence.

Tractional Retinal Detachment

Scar tissue can pull on the retina and lift it away from the back of the eye. This is more common in proliferative disease and may need surgery to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Neovascular Glaucoma

In advanced cases, abnormal new vessels can grow in the drainage angle of the eye and cause a dangerous rise in eye pressure. This is a serious complication that needs urgent specialist management.

Why Choose City Eye Surgeons for Diabetic Retinopathy Care

Comprehensive Imaging and Monitoring

We use structured imaging and follow-up planning to document baseline macular health, track change over time, and guide treatment decisions with clarity.

Access to Medical, Laser and Surgical Treatments (If Offered)

Care is planned based on what your retina needs, from monitoring through to injections, laser, or surgery when appropriate.

Clear Follow Up Plans and Support

You will be given a clear follow up plan, including what symptoms should trigger earlier review and how to get in touch if your vision changes.

Book a Diabetic Eye Assessment in Melbourne

If you have diabetes, regular retinal checks are one of the best ways to protect your sight. To book, contact the team via our contact page. It helps to bring a brief timeline of any vision changes, your medication list, and your latest HbA1c if you know it.