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Eye changes caused by diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy

The most common complication of diabetes. The changes rarely cause symptoms until they are serious, which is why everyone with diabetes must be screened.

AffectsType 1 and type 2ScreeningIndividual intervalEarly symptomsUsually none
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Follow your screening interval. With suddenly blurred vision or many new floaters: contact us quickly.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Raised blood sugar and blood pressure damage the small blood vessels of the retina over time. The vessels can leak fluid and blood, and in advanced cases new, fragile vessels grow.

Early changes

Small bulges and bleeds on the vessels. They do not affect vision, but show that the eyes need to be monitored.

Proliferative retinopathy

New vessels grow and can bleed into the eye or pull the retina loose.

Macular oedema

Fluid collects in the macula and makes vision blurred, especially when reading.

Diabetic retinopathy seen on a retinal photograph. The dark red spots are bleeds, and the pale yellow spots are fatty deposits from leaking blood vessels.

Screening

Everyone with diabetes must have their eyes examined regularly. In Denmark the interval is set individually based on the changes we find and how well blood sugar and blood pressure are controlled. Without changes, there can be up to several years between examinations. If there are changes, you will be seen more often.

At screening you are given pupil-dilating drops, and we photograph the retina. You must not drive until your vision is normal again, usually after a few hours.

Symptoms when the disease is advanced

  • Blurred vision that does not improve with glasses
  • Dark spots or floaters in your vision
  • Sudden loss of vision due to bleeding in the eye

Prevention and treatment

  • Well-controlled blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol are the most important prevention
  • Stopping smoking
  • Laser treatment or injections into the eye for serious changes
  • Surgery in hospital for bleeding or retinal detachment

This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.