[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1300},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-\u002Feye-health\u002Fdiabetic-retinopathy":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":1299},{"contentPage":11},{"entryTitle":12,"pageTitle":13,"seoMetaData":14,"topSection":18,"bottomSection":30,"anchors":44,"mainSectionCollection":77},"en-GB - Eye Health - Diabetic Retinopathy - Content Page","Diabetic Retinopathy | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment",{"metaDescription":15,"indexed":16,"follow":16,"metaKeywords":17,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":16},"Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. Find out what it means, what to look out for, and how to protect your sight.",true,null,{"__typename":19,"sys":20,"title":22,"subtitle":23,"theme":24,"heroHeightVersion":25,"button":26},"HeroBanner",{"id":21},"4ASR9UuWxyuIHlDVSfwy9V","Diabetic Retinopathy","A common complication of diabetes that affects your eyes. Here’s what it means, what to look out for, and how to protect your sight.","Ellipse","Condensed",{"linkText":27,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Book an appointment","\u002Fbook\u002Flocation",false,{"__typename":31,"sys":32,"title":34,"body":35,"buttonsCollection":36},"FullWidthBannerFooter",{"id":33},"fkTTrqXbtBwlZYYOQQpni","Get expert eye advice","If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.",{"items":37},[38,41],{"linkText":39,"linkUrl":40,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Contact your local store","\u002Fstores",{"linkText":42,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"See more eye conditions","\u002Feye-health",{"anchorLinksCollection":45},{"items":46},[47,52,57,62,67,72],{"anchorLabel":48,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":49},"Overview",{"sys":50},{"id":51},"4Is92LYOCMnnoIrVoPRNWk",{"anchorLabel":53,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":54},"Symptoms",{"sys":55},{"id":56},"63EYIU63PpsN65pnD9JTS4",{"anchorLabel":58,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":59},"Causes",{"sys":60},{"id":61},"2HSR5Vdof8zZSHdkbHF4oL",{"anchorLabel":63,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":64},"Diagnosis",{"sys":65},{"id":66},"6DJB2KZD5fKzJKvaQatZOB",{"anchorLabel":68,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":69},"Treatment",{"sys":70},{"id":71},"5P88vaCpG9hcPTO7YTq20v",{"anchorLabel":73,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":74},"Prevention",{"sys":75},{"id":76},"1Fy8Ux3wrdjfTAbsp5fxiL",{"items":78},[79,86,228,448,464,501,653,823,933,1189,1213,1233,1258],{"__typename":80,"sys":81,"linkEntries":82,"title":84,"body":85,"leftAligned":29},"Summary",{"id":51},{"items":83},[],"What is diabetic retinopathy?","Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can happen if you have diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels at the back of your eye, affecting how well you see.\n",{"__typename":87,"sys":88,"theme":90,"genericTextComponent":91},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":89},"2qcET1AmZMk4aTCN4lOl6q","Cool Blue",{"json":92,"links":225},{"data":93,"content":94,"nodeType":224},{},[95,117,125,132,217],{"data":96,"content":97,"nodeType":116},{},[98,103,112],{"data":99,"marks":100,"value":101,"nodeType":102},{},[],"At first, you might not notice any changes to your vision. But if it’s left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and may lead to permanent sight loss. Your optometrist will be able to spot signs of diabetic retinopathy during an eye test – and treatment is available if needed. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes or you’ve had it for a while, keeping up with your ","text",{"data":104,"content":106,"nodeType":111},{"uri":105},"\u002Feye-test",[107],{"data":108,"marks":109,"value":110,"nodeType":102},{},[],"eye tests","hyperlink",{"data":113,"marks":114,"value":115,"nodeType":102},{},[]," is one of the best ways to protect your sight. ","paragraph",{"data":118,"content":119,"nodeType":124},{},[120],{"data":121,"marks":122,"value":123,"nodeType":102},{},[],"Types of diabetic retinopathy ","heading-3",{"data":126,"content":127,"nodeType":116},{},[128],{"data":129,"marks":130,"value":131,"nodeType":102},{},[],"Diabetic retinopathy is usually described in two main types, depending on how advanced the condition is and what changes are happening inside the eye. ",{"data":133,"content":134,"nodeType":216},{},[135,162,189],{"data":136,"content":137,"nodeType":161},{},[138],{"data":139,"content":140,"nodeType":116},{},[141,147,151,157],{"data":142,"marks":143,"value":146,"nodeType":102},{},[144],{"type":145},"bold","Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR):",{"data":148,"marks":149,"value":150,"nodeType":102},{},[]," This is the earlier form of the condition. Tiny blood vessels in the retina become damaged and start to leak fluid or blood. In mild cases, only a few vessels are affected. In moderate to severe cases, there’s more widespread swelling, bleeding and damage. NPDR doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but it can progress over time, especially without regular ",{"data":152,"content":153,"nodeType":111},{"uri":105},[154],{"data":155,"marks":156,"value":110,"nodeType":102},{},[],{"data":158,"marks":159,"value":160,"nodeType":102},{},[],".","list-item",{"data":163,"content":164,"nodeType":161},{},[165],{"data":166,"content":167,"nodeType":116},{},[168,173,177,185],{"data":169,"marks":170,"value":172,"nodeType":102},{},[171],{"type":145},"Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR):",{"data":174,"marks":175,"value":176,"nodeType":102},{},[]," This is the more advanced stage. The body tries to make up for the damage by growing new blood vessels, but these are fragile and prone to leaking. This bleeding can lead to scar tissue, which may pull on the retina and cause a ",{"data":178,"content":180,"nodeType":111},{"uri":179},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fretinal-detachment",[181],{"data":182,"marks":183,"value":184,"nodeType":102},{},[],"retinal detachment",{"data":186,"marks":187,"value":188,"nodeType":102},{},[],". If left untreated, PDR can lead to serious sight loss or even permanent blindness. ",{"data":190,"content":191,"nodeType":161},{},[192],{"data":193,"content":194,"nodeType":116},{},[195,200,204,212],{"data":196,"marks":197,"value":199,"nodeType":102},{},[198],{"type":145},"Diabetic Maculopathy: ",{"data":201,"marks":202,"value":203,"nodeType":102},{},[],"Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) can develop alongside either type. It’s when fluid builds up in the macula – the part of the retina you use for sharp, central vision. It can cause ",{"data":205,"content":207,"nodeType":111},{"uri":206},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fblurred-vision",[208],{"data":209,"marks":210,"value":211,"nodeType":102},{},[],"blurred vision",{"data":213,"marks":214,"value":215,"nodeType":102},{},[]," and needs monitoring or treatment. ","unordered-list",{"data":218,"content":219,"nodeType":116},{},[220],{"data":221,"marks":222,"value":223,"nodeType":102},{},[],"","document",{"entries":226},{"block":227},[],{"__typename":87,"sys":229,"theme":230,"genericTextComponent":231},{"id":56},"Mono White",{"json":232,"links":445},{"nodeType":224,"data":233,"content":234},{},[235,243,250,257,401,408,427],{"nodeType":236,"data":237,"content":238},"heading-2",{},[239],{"nodeType":102,"value":240,"marks":241,"data":242},"What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":244,"content":245},{},[246],{"nodeType":102,"value":247,"marks":248,"data":249},"In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy might not affect your sight at all. That’s why many people don’t realise there’s a problem until the condition has progressed.",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":251,"content":252},{},[253],{"nodeType":102,"value":254,"marks":255,"data":256},"When symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on which part of the eye is affected. You might notice: ",[],{},{"nodeType":216,"data":258,"content":259},{},[260,279,300,310,330,351,371,391],{"nodeType":161,"data":261,"content":262},{},[263],{"nodeType":116,"data":264,"content":265},{},[266,269,276],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":267,"data":268},[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":270,"content":271},{"uri":206},[272],{"nodeType":102,"value":273,"marks":274,"data":275},"Blurred vision",[],{"chevron-link":16},{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":277,"data":278},[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":280,"content":281},{},[282],{"nodeType":116,"data":283,"content":284},{},[285,288,296],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":286,"data":287},[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":289,"content":291},{"uri":290},"\u002Feye-health\u002Ffloaters-and-flashes",[292],{"nodeType":102,"value":293,"marks":294,"data":295},"Floaters and flashes",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":297,"marks":298,"data":299}," or cobweb-like shapes in your line of sight ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":301,"content":302},{},[303],{"nodeType":116,"data":304,"content":305},{},[306],{"nodeType":102,"value":307,"marks":308,"data":309},"Patchy or missing areas in your vision ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":311,"content":312},{},[313],{"nodeType":116,"data":314,"content":315},{},[316,319,327],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":317,"data":318},[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":320,"content":322},{"uri":321},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fcloudy-vision",[323],{"nodeType":102,"value":324,"marks":325,"data":326},"Cloudy vision",[],{"chevron-link":16},{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":328,"data":329},[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":331,"content":332},{},[333],{"nodeType":116,"data":334,"content":335},{},[336,339,347],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":337,"data":338},[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":340,"content":342},{"uri":341},"\u002Feye-health\u002Ftunnel-vision",[343],{"nodeType":102,"value":344,"marks":345,"data":346},"Tunnel vision",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":348,"marks":349,"data":350},", where your side vision starts to narrow ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":352,"content":353},{},[354],{"nodeType":116,"data":355,"content":356},{},[357,360,368],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":358,"data":359},[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":361,"content":363},{"uri":362},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fnight-blindness",[364],{"nodeType":102,"value":365,"marks":366,"data":367},"Difficulty seeing at night",[],{"chevron-link":16},{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":369,"data":370},[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":372,"content":373},{},[374],{"nodeType":116,"data":375,"content":376},{},[377,380,388],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":378,"data":379},[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":381,"content":383},{"uri":382},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fhalos-around-lights",[384],{"nodeType":102,"value":385,"marks":386,"data":387},"Halos around lights",[],{"chevron-link":16},{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":389,"data":390},[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":392,"content":393},{},[394],{"nodeType":116,"data":395,"content":396},{},[397],{"nodeType":102,"value":398,"marks":399,"data":400},"Colours looking faded or washed out ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":402,"content":403},{},[404],{"nodeType":102,"value":405,"marks":406,"data":407},"These symptoms may come and go, or slowly get worse over time. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":409,"content":410},{},[411,415,423],{"nodeType":102,"value":412,"marks":413,"data":414},"In advanced cases, sudden ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":416,"content":418},{"uri":417},"\u002Feye-health\u002Floss-of-vision",[419],{"nodeType":102,"value":420,"marks":421,"data":422},"loss of vision",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":424,"marks":425,"data":426}," can happen, especially if there’s bleeding inside the eye or the retina becomes detached. This is rare, but serious. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":428,"content":429},{},[430,434,441],{"nodeType":102,"value":431,"marks":432,"data":433},"If you’re experiencing any of these changes, it’s important to ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":435,"content":436},{"uri":105},[437],{"nodeType":102,"value":438,"marks":439,"data":440},"book an eye test",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":442,"marks":443,"data":444}," as soon as you can. Early treatment can help protect your sight. ",[],{},{"entries":446},{"block":447},[],{"__typename":449,"sys":450,"title":452,"body":453,"imageAltText":454,"theme":455,"imageMobileTablet":456,"imageDesktop":458,"buttonsCollection":460},"SplitBanner",{"id":451},"4fT9uhhv8gsCWbft8wryV5","Do these symptoms sound familiar?","If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above it's worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.","An optician delivers an eye test to a customer","Aloe Green",{"url":457},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F3YtjE1RIi3ELfhdPGTDHkA\u002Fabb782bb611c9ec4d2ff0f4e0d803198\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---1536x864.jpg",{"url":459},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F7hJUdeEsd53lRq2Gqrd11i\u002Fc253b9299edbd53d85f6cb528dd842d3\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---940x1000.jpg",{"items":461},[462],{"linkText":463,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Book an eye test",{"__typename":87,"sys":465,"theme":90,"genericTextComponent":466},{"id":61},{"json":467,"links":498},{"data":468,"content":469,"nodeType":224},{},[470,477,484,491],{"data":471,"content":472,"nodeType":236},{},[473],{"data":474,"marks":475,"value":476,"nodeType":102},{},[],"What causes diabetic retinopathy?",{"data":478,"content":479,"nodeType":116},{},[480],{"data":481,"marks":482,"value":483,"nodeType":102},{},[],"Diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina – the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain. ",{"data":485,"content":486,"nodeType":116},{},[487],{"data":488,"marks":489,"value":490,"nodeType":102},{},[],"Over time, raised blood sugar can make these vessels swell, leak or block up. This stops the retina from getting the oxygen it needs, which can lead to vision problems. You’re more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy if your blood sugar isn’t well controlled. But other things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and how long you’ve had diabetes also play a role.",{"data":492,"content":493,"nodeType":116},{},[494],{"data":495,"marks":496,"value":497,"nodeType":102},{},[],"\n",{"entries":499},{"block":500},[],{"__typename":87,"sys":502,"theme":230,"genericTextComponent":503},{"id":66},{"json":504,"links":650},{"nodeType":224,"data":505,"content":506},{},[507,514,532,539,558,565,572,579,597,604,611,618,636,643],{"nodeType":236,"data":508,"content":509},{},[510],{"nodeType":102,"value":511,"marks":512,"data":513},"How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":515,"content":516},{},[517,521,528],{"nodeType":102,"value":518,"marks":519,"data":520},"At your ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":522,"content":523},{"uri":105},[524],{"nodeType":102,"value":525,"marks":526,"data":527},"eye test",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":529,"marks":530,"data":531},", your optometrist will talk with you about your eye health, any changes you’ve noticed, and how your diabetes is being managed. This helps us understand your risk and decide which checks are right for you. We’ll carry out a series of painless tests to look for early signs of diabetic retinopathy: ",[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":533,"content":534},{},[535],{"nodeType":102,"value":536,"marks":537,"data":538},"Visual acuity test ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":540,"content":541},{},[542,546,554],{"nodeType":102,"value":543,"marks":544,"data":545},"You’ll read letters on a chart, known as a ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":547,"content":549},{"uri":548},"\u002Feye-test\u002Fsnellen-test-chart-online",[550],{"nodeType":102,"value":551,"marks":552,"data":553},"Snellen chart",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":555,"marks":556,"data":557},", so we can check how clearly you’re seeing and spot any changes since your last visit. ",[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":559,"content":560},{},[561],{"nodeType":102,"value":562,"marks":563,"data":564},"Tonometry ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":566,"content":567},{},[568],{"nodeType":102,"value":569,"marks":570,"data":571},"This test measures the pressure inside your eye. ",[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":573,"content":574},{},[575],{"nodeType":102,"value":576,"marks":577,"data":578},"Dilated eye exam ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":580,"content":581},{},[582,586,594],{"nodeType":102,"value":583,"marks":584,"data":585},"We may use special drops to widen (dilate) your pupils, so we can get a clearer view of your retina and optic nerve. Learn more about the ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":587,"content":589},{"uri":588},"\u002Feye-test\u002Fdilated-eye-exam",[590],{"nodeType":102,"value":591,"marks":592,"data":593},"dilated eye exam",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":160,"marks":595,"data":596},[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":598,"content":599},{},[600],{"nodeType":102,"value":601,"marks":602,"data":603},"Digital retinal photography ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":605,"content":606},{},[607],{"nodeType":102,"value":608,"marks":609,"data":610},"A quick, painless scan that takes high-resolution images of the back of your eye to help spot even tiny blood vessel changes. ",[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":612,"content":613},{},[614],{"nodeType":102,"value":615,"marks":616,"data":617},"OCT scan (optical coherence tomography) ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":619,"content":620},{},[621,625,633],{"nodeType":102,"value":622,"marks":623,"data":624},"This advanced scan captures 3D images of your retina to check for swelling or damage in greater detail. Learn more about the ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":626,"content":628},{"uri":627},"\u002Feye-test\u002Foct-scan",[629],{"nodeType":102,"value":630,"marks":631,"data":632},"OCT scan",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":160,"marks":634,"data":635},[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":637,"content":638},{},[639],{"nodeType":102,"value":640,"marks":641,"data":642},"If we find signs of diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema (DMO), we’ll explain what’s happening, recommend next steps, and refer you for diabetic eye screening or specialist care if needed. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":644,"content":645},{},[646],{"nodeType":102,"value":647,"marks":648,"data":649},"These checks are quick, straightforward, and one of the best ways to help protect your sight. ",[],{},{"entries":651},{"block":652},[],{"__typename":87,"sys":654,"theme":90,"genericTextComponent":655},{"id":71},{"json":656,"links":818},{"nodeType":224,"data":657,"content":658},{},[659,666,696,703,710,733,740,747,754,761,768,775,782,789,796,803,812],{"nodeType":236,"data":660,"content":661},{},[662],{"nodeType":102,"value":663,"marks":664,"data":665},"How is diabetic retinopathy treated?",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":667,"content":668},{},[669,673,680,684,692],{"nodeType":102,"value":670,"marks":671,"data":672},"If diabetic retinopathy is caught early, you may not need treatment straight away, but you’ll need regular ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":674,"content":676},{"uri":675},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.specsavers.co.uk\u002Feye-test",[677],{"nodeType":102,"value":110,"marks":678,"data":679},[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":681,"marks":682,"data":683}," to keep an eye on things. If you’ve noticed changes to your sight, like blurriness, floaters or struggling to see clearly, take a look at our guide to why your ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":685,"content":687},{"uri":686},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.specsavers.co.uk\u002Feye-health\u002Fwhy-is-my-eyesight-getting-worse",[688],{"nodeType":102,"value":689,"marks":690,"data":691},"eyesight might be getting worse",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":693,"marks":694,"data":695},". The right treatment depends on the stage and type of retinopathy you have. Your eye specialist will explain your options and answer any questions. You might be referred to an eye specialist for one of the following: ",[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":697,"content":698},{},[699],{"nodeType":102,"value":700,"marks":701,"data":702},"Laser treatment ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":704,"content":705},{},[706],{"nodeType":102,"value":707,"marks":708,"data":709},"Laser treatment seals leaking blood vessels and stops new ones from growing to help protect the retina and prevent further vision loss. There are two main types: ",[],{},{"nodeType":216,"data":711,"content":712},{},[713,723],{"nodeType":161,"data":714,"content":715},{},[716],{"nodeType":116,"data":717,"content":718},{},[719],{"nodeType":102,"value":720,"marks":721,"data":722},"Focal laser photocoagulation – targets a specific affected area ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":724,"content":725},{},[726],{"nodeType":116,"data":727,"content":728},{},[729],{"nodeType":102,"value":730,"marks":731,"data":732},"Pan-retinal photocoagulation – treats the wider peripheral retina ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":734,"content":735},{},[736],{"nodeType":102,"value":737,"marks":738,"data":739},"Laser treatment is done under local anaesthetic at an outpatient clinic. Your pupils will be widened with drops, and a special lens will keep your eye open. You may feel a mild pricking sensation in some areas, but most people don’t find it painful. The whole procedure usually takes 20–40 minutes. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":741,"content":742},{},[743],{"nodeType":102,"value":744,"marks":745,"data":746},"After treatment, your vision may be blurry for a few hours, and you’ll be sensitive to light, so bring sunglasses and arrange for someone to drive you home. It may take several sessions and a few months to see the full benefit. ",[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":748,"content":749},{},[750],{"nodeType":102,"value":751,"marks":752,"data":753},"Eye injections ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":755,"content":756},{},[757],{"nodeType":102,"value":758,"marks":759,"data":760},"Injections, known as anti-VEGF drugs, help reduce swelling in the macula and stop abnormal blood vessel growth. Sometimes steroids are used instead. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":762,"content":763},{},[764],{"nodeType":102,"value":765,"marks":766,"data":767},"The injection is given under local anaesthetic, using a fine needle. You may need monthly injections at first, with fewer as your condition stabilises. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":769,"content":770},{},[771],{"nodeType":102,"value":772,"marks":773,"data":774},"Side effects can include floaters, mild irritation, or watery eyes, but the treatment is safe and can improve vision in many people.  ",[],{},{"nodeType":124,"data":776,"content":777},{},[778],{"nodeType":102,"value":779,"marks":780,"data":781},"Eye surgery (vitrectomy) ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":783,"content":784},{},[785],{"nodeType":102,"value":786,"marks":787,"data":788},"In more advanced cases, surgery may be needed to remove blood or scar tissue from inside the eye. This is called a vitrectomy. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":790,"content":791},{},[792],{"nodeType":102,"value":793,"marks":794,"data":795},"It’s usually done under local anaesthetic and sedation. You’ll go home the same day or the next, wearing an eye patch for a few days. It can take several months for your vision to settle afterwards. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":797,"content":798},{},[799],{"nodeType":102,"value":800,"marks":801,"data":802},"While risks like infection or retinal detachment are rare, the surgery is considered safe and helps improve or stabilise vision in most patients.",[],{},{"nodeType":804,"data":805,"content":811},"embedded-entry-block",{"target":806},{"sys":807},{"id":808,"type":809,"linkType":810},"7LVlKnw0P7kN3T1LzG9EEh","Link","Entry",[],{"nodeType":116,"data":813,"content":814},{},[815],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":816,"data":817},[],{},{"entries":819},{"block":820},[821],{"__typename":809,"sys":822,"linkText":463,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"id":808},{"__typename":87,"sys":824,"theme":230,"genericTextComponent":825},{"id":76},{"json":826,"links":930},{"nodeType":224,"data":827,"content":828},{},[829,836,843,917,924],{"nodeType":236,"data":830,"content":831},{},[832],{"nodeType":102,"value":833,"marks":834,"data":835},"Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented? ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":837,"content":838},{},[839],{"nodeType":102,"value":840,"marks":841,"data":842},"You can’t always prevent diabetic retinopathy, but there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk and slow it down. Managing your diabetes well and having regular eye checks makes a real difference. Here are six things that help protect your eyes: ",[],{},{"nodeType":844,"data":845,"content":846},"ordered-list",{},[847,857,867,877,887,897],{"nodeType":161,"data":848,"content":849},{},[850],{"nodeType":116,"data":851,"content":852},{},[853],{"nodeType":102,"value":854,"marks":855,"data":856},"Keep your blood sugar in check. The better your control, the lower the risk of damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":858,"content":859},{},[860],{"nodeType":116,"data":861,"content":862},{},[863],{"nodeType":102,"value":864,"marks":865,"data":866},"Manage your blood pressure. High pressure puts extra strain on the delicate vessels in the retina. ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":868,"content":869},{},[870],{"nodeType":116,"data":871,"content":872},{},[873],{"nodeType":102,"value":874,"marks":875,"data":876},"Watch your cholesterol. Raised cholesterol can affect blood flow to your eyes. ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":878,"content":879},{},[880],{"nodeType":116,"data":881,"content":882},{},[883],{"nodeType":102,"value":884,"marks":885,"data":886},"Don’t smoke. Smoking reduces circulation and speeds up damage to blood vessels. ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":888,"content":889},{},[890],{"nodeType":116,"data":891,"content":892},{},[893],{"nodeType":102,"value":894,"marks":895,"data":896},"Go to all your diabetes check-ups. This includes foot checks, blood tests and other health reviews. ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":898,"content":899},{},[900],{"nodeType":116,"data":901,"content":902},{},[903,907,913],{"nodeType":102,"value":904,"marks":905,"data":906},"Get regular eye checks. A yearly diabetes eye screening or ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":908,"content":909},{"uri":105},[910],{"nodeType":102,"value":525,"marks":911,"data":912},[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":914,"marks":915,"data":916}," helps spot any changes early, when treatment works best. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":918,"content":919},{},[920],{"nodeType":102,"value":921,"marks":922,"data":923},"Even if you already have early signs of diabetic retinopathy, these steps can still help stop it from getting worse. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":925,"content":926},{},[927],{"nodeType":102,"value":497,"marks":928,"data":929},[],{},{"entries":931},{"block":932},[],{"__typename":934,"sys":935,"title":937,"theme":938,"expandFirstRow":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":939},"Accordion",{"id":936},"6gNieYBj6v7fUKSYl8tVlu","Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs:","Grey",{"items":940},[941,957,982,997,1012,1066,1081,1096,1129,1144,1159,1174],{"__typename":942,"sys":943,"panel":945,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":956},"Faq",{"id":944},"4zL8dUZIh8PcIZtNwXCg95",{"json":946},{"nodeType":224,"data":947,"content":948},{},[949],{"nodeType":116,"data":950,"content":951},{},[952],{"nodeType":102,"value":953,"marks":954,"data":955},"Not usually, but early treatment can stop it from getting worse. The earlier it’s found, the better the chance of protecting your sight.",[],{},"Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?",{"__typename":942,"sys":958,"panel":960,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":981},{"id":959},"6g5w9Zhcd64EfxRmggXpow",{"json":961},{"nodeType":224,"data":962,"content":963},{},[964],{"nodeType":116,"data":965,"content":966},{},[967,971,977],{"nodeType":102,"value":968,"marks":969,"data":970},"You might notice floaters, blurred vision, or trouble seeing at night. But many people don’t have symptoms at first, which is why regular ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":972,"content":973},{"uri":105},[974],{"nodeType":102,"value":110,"marks":975,"data":976},[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":978,"marks":979,"data":980}," are so important. ",[],{},"What are the first signs of diabetic retinopathy?",{"__typename":942,"sys":983,"panel":985,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":996},{"id":984},"YgDbAVxNPawQQPY3rWZBX",{"json":986},{"nodeType":224,"data":987,"content":988},{},[989],{"nodeType":116,"data":990,"content":991},{},[992],{"nodeType":102,"value":993,"marks":994,"data":995},"You may see black spots, floaters, blurry patches or faded colours. Some people struggle more in low light or at night. ",[],{},"What does diabetic retinopathy look like?",{"__typename":942,"sys":998,"panel":1000,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1011},{"id":999},"2q1jGp0uvsh1HKWXxwwI4T",{"json":1001},{"nodeType":224,"data":1002,"content":1003},{},[1004],{"nodeType":116,"data":1005,"content":1006},{},[1007],{"nodeType":102,"value":1008,"marks":1009,"data":1010},"Yes, diabetic retinopathy can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.",[],{},"Can you get retinopathy with type 2 diabetes?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1013,"panel":1015,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1065},{"id":1014},"4SL5oFte05h4S1tEdNlOOB",{"json":1016},{"nodeType":224,"data":1017,"content":1018},{},[1019,1026,1059],{"nodeType":116,"data":1020,"content":1021},{},[1022],{"nodeType":102,"value":1023,"marks":1024,"data":1025},"Yes, if your vision meets DVLA standards. But you must tell the DVLA if: ",[],{},{"nodeType":216,"data":1027,"content":1028},{},[1029,1039,1049],{"nodeType":161,"data":1030,"content":1031},{},[1032],{"nodeType":116,"data":1033,"content":1034},{},[1035],{"nodeType":102,"value":1036,"marks":1037,"data":1038},"You’ve had laser treatment in both eyes ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":1040,"content":1041},{},[1042],{"nodeType":116,"data":1043,"content":1044},{},[1045],{"nodeType":102,"value":1046,"marks":1047,"data":1048},"You have proliferative retinopathy ",[],{},{"nodeType":161,"data":1050,"content":1051},{},[1052],{"nodeType":116,"data":1053,"content":1054},{},[1055],{"nodeType":102,"value":1056,"marks":1057,"data":1058},"Your vision no longer meets the legal limit for driving ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":1060,"content":1061},{},[1062],{"nodeType":102,"value":223,"marks":1063,"data":1064},[],{},"Can I still drive with diabetic retinopathy?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1067,"panel":1069,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1080},{"id":1068},"y8NdznnlS9UIL3wWiDg5g",{"json":1070},{"nodeType":224,"data":1071,"content":1072},{},[1073],{"nodeType":116,"data":1074,"content":1075},{},[1076],{"nodeType":102,"value":1077,"marks":1078,"data":1079},"Your optometrist can spot signs that suggest diabetes, like changes to the blood vessels at the back of your eye. If we notice anything unusual, we’ll refer you to your GP or diabetes care team. ",[],{},"Can an eye test show diabetes?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1082,"panel":1084,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1095},{"id":1083},"0SnsbiiN3NreFxzi656sr",{"json":1085},{"nodeType":224,"data":1086,"content":1087},{},[1088],{"nodeType":116,"data":1089,"content":1090},{},[1091],{"nodeType":102,"value":1092,"marks":1093,"data":1094},"It can affect one or both eyes, depending on how long you’ve had diabetes and how well it’s managed. ",[],{},"Does diabetic retinopathy affect both eyes?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1097,"panel":1099,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1128},{"id":1098},"42hjPANgU6lurbaknsBpIx",{"json":1100},{"nodeType":224,"data":1101,"content":1102},{},[1103,1122],{"nodeType":116,"data":1104,"content":1105},{},[1106,1110,1118],{"nodeType":102,"value":1107,"marks":1108,"data":1109},"No, it doesn’t usually cause any ",[],{},{"nodeType":111,"data":1111,"content":1113},{"uri":1112},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-pain",[1114],{"nodeType":102,"value":1115,"marks":1116,"data":1117},"eye pain",[],{},{"nodeType":102,"value":1119,"marks":1120,"data":1121},". That’s one reason why people don’t always realise it’s developing. ",[],{},{"nodeType":116,"data":1123,"content":1124},{},[1125],{"nodeType":102,"value":497,"marks":1126,"data":1127},[],{},"Is diabetic retinopathy painful?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1130,"panel":1132,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1143},{"id":1131},"4c3Eg0H0bt48nCob51pBTO",{"json":1133},{"nodeType":224,"data":1134,"content":1135},{},[1136],{"nodeType":116,"data":1137,"content":1138},{},[1139],{"nodeType":102,"value":1140,"marks":1141,"data":1142},"It’s rare, but if it’s left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent sight loss. Catching it early is the best way to prevent this. ",[],{},"Will I go blind from diabetic retinopathy?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1145,"panel":1147,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1158},{"id":1146},"iBTpiZgAi9klVCqL1oFDY",{"json":1148},{"nodeType":224,"data":1149,"content":1150},{},[1151],{"nodeType":116,"data":1152,"content":1153},{},[1154],{"nodeType":102,"value":1155,"marks":1156,"data":1157},"It varies. It can develop slowly over several years, or faster if your blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol are poorly controlled.",[],{},"How fast does diabetic retinopathy progress?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1160,"panel":1162,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1173},{"id":1161},"4OmkLXlAOFhWyb5QCrtJJH",{"json":1163},{"nodeType":224,"data":1164,"content":1165},{},[1166],{"nodeType":116,"data":1167,"content":1168},{},[1169],{"nodeType":102,"value":1170,"marks":1171,"data":1172},"No, not directly. If you have diabetes and are getting headaches, it’s worth having both your eyes and general health checked. ",[],{},"Does diabetic retinopathy cause headaches?",{"__typename":942,"sys":1175,"panel":1177,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":1188},{"id":1176},"2puqA70QkazHpBpznjfWZ",{"json":1178},{"nodeType":224,"data":1179,"content":1180},{},[1181],{"nodeType":116,"data":1182,"content":1183},{},[1184],{"nodeType":102,"value":1185,"marks":1186,"data":1187},"An optometrist can’t diagnose diabetes, but they may spot signs that suggest it, such as changes to the blood vessels at the back of your eye. If anything looks unusual during your eye test, we’ll let you know and recommend a follow-up with your GP or diabetes care team.",[],{},"Can diabetes be detected in an eye exam?",{"__typename":1190,"sys":1191,"title":1193,"backgroundTheme":1194,"authorEntriesCollection":1195},"AuthorContainer",{"id":1192},"1K9CpO9GoJ51VfEHMg7YPV","Written by our experts for peace of mind","Green",{"items":1196},[1197],{"authorBiography":1198,"authorName":1209,"authorQualification":1210,"authorPhoto":1211},{"json":1199},{"nodeType":224,"data":1200,"content":1201},{},[1202],{"nodeType":116,"data":1203,"content":1204},{},[1205],{"nodeType":102,"value":1206,"marks":1207,"data":1208},"Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre-registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.",[],{},"Ross Campbell","BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret",{"url":1212},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7\u002F34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f\u002FRoss_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg",{"__typename":1214,"sys":1215,"title":1217,"body":1218,"backgroundTheme":938,"actionCardEntriesCollection":1219},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":1216},"3SgPntB6pUqtUruw2AXyzY","Related Conditions","Not sure if this is what you're experiencing? Explore some related conditions:",{"items":1220},[1221,1226,1229],{"image":17,"title":1222,"body":1223,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":1224,"linkUrl":1225,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Blurry Vision","Blurry vision is not an eye condition itself, it’s usually a symptom of an underlying condition or a sign that your glasses or contact lenses may need updating.","Find out more","\u002Feye-health\u002Fblurry-vision",{"image":17,"title":1227,"body":1228,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":1224,"linkUrl":321,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Cloudy Vision","Often confused with blurry vision, cloudy vision is when objects appear ‘milky’ as if you’re looking through a cloudy piece of glass in one or both eyes.",{"image":17,"title":1230,"body":1231,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":1232,"linkUrl":341,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Tunnel Vision","Tunnel vision is the worsening or loss of peripheral vision, the part of vision that lies beyond your direct line of sight, and can be temporary, or permanent.","Learn more",{"__typename":1214,"sys":1234,"title":1236,"body":17,"backgroundTheme":1237,"actionCardEntriesCollection":1238},{"id":1235},"keqiwluN3uCiUw39HKjMx","Find out more about eye care services","White",{"items":1239},[1240,1247,1252],{"title":1241,"body":1242,"imageAltText":1243,"linkText":1244,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":1245},"All eye conditions","Read more information about all eye conditions.","Women using a slit lamp","View all eye conditions",{"url":1246},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F4cwFJgHB9BHy1B690ebBQ0\u002Fc02de50880709bc238812946c93ccfea\u002FDAY_2_SLIT_LAMP_TEST_117-150DPI.jpg",{"title":463,"body":1248,"imageAltText":1249,"linkText":463,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":1250},"Book an appointment at your local Specsavers store.","Man having an OCT scan",{"url":1251},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5T3QokGERAThYXwgmSXxFq\u002F2456853b7550d03764f544496176b83e\u002Fmodule_hero__16x9_oct_sight_test_no-derivative.jpg",{"title":1253,"body":1254,"imageAltText":1255,"linkText":1224,"linkUrl":105,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":1256},"All about eye tests","Everything you need to know about getting your eyes tested.","Women using a phoropter",{"url":1257},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5zSdFZFmwKx4bFKCWIm9A9\u002F142dfde2099cab8de29510ab68f4b17b\u002FDAY_1_SNELLEN_11-72DPI.jpg",{"__typename":1259,"sys":1260,"title":1262,"theme":1237,"listType":1263,"expandAccordion":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":1264},"SingleRowAccordion",{"id":1261},"5zLW2BTkuZbls9WkciPvHK","References","Numbered",{"items":1265},[1266,1274,1280,1286,1292],{"__typename":1267,"sys":1268,"citationAuthor":1270,"citationYear":1271,"citationDescription":1272,"citationUrl":1273,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},"Citation",{"id":1269},"01bWOK262n7OqEf8D1Xmlx","Alqahtani, A.S., Alshareef, W.M., Aljadani, H.T., Hawsawi, W.O.",2025,"and Shaheen, M.H. The efficacy of artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Retina and Vitreous, [online] 11(1).","https:\u002F\u002Fdoi.org\u002F10.1186\u002Fs40942-025-00670-9",{"__typename":1267,"sys":1275,"citationAuthor":1277,"citationYear":1271,"citationDescription":1278,"citationUrl":1279,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1276},"6hiNpqkKsBvh1UOEI2Edoe","‌Elghzali, A., Swami, V., Hossain, M.D., Jones, G., J. Tyler Babek, ","Hemmerich, C., Howard, H., Himes, S., Cox, J., Ford, A.I. and Vassar, M. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Assessing Diversity and Representation in Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Trials in the U.S. Ophthalmic Epidemiology, pp.1–11. ","https:\u002F\u002Fdoi.org\u002F10.1080\u002F09286586.2025.2457620",{"__typename":1267,"sys":1281,"citationAuthor":1283,"citationYear":1271,"citationDescription":1284,"citationUrl":1285,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1282},"Cg4slBz7hzuZmzHx9IZUx","‌Li, G., Wang, L. and Feng, F.","A systematic meta-analysis of the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Technology and Health Care. ","https:\u002F\u002Fdoi.org\u002F10.1177\u002F09287329241295877",{"__typename":1267,"sys":1287,"citationAuthor":1289,"citationYear":17,"citationDescription":1290,"citationUrl":1291,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1288},"5vqPWfJipg7Ky4e2nvuRnb","bestpractice.bmj.com.","(n.d.). Diabetic retinopathy - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice. [online] Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fbestpractice.bmj.com\u002Ftopics\u002Fen-gb\u002F532",{"__typename":1267,"sys":1293,"citationAuthor":1295,"citationYear":1296,"citationDescription":1297,"citationUrl":1298,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":1294},"4XljCgzfRSMqBy2uyb0aWj","Shukla, U.V. and Tripathy, K.",2023,"Diabetic Retinopathy. [online] PubMed. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fbooks\u002FNBK560805\u002F",[17,17],1787558686371]