Diabetic Retinopathy Specialist

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Comparison of a normal retina (left) and a diabetic retina (right), showing signs of diabetic retinopathy such as bleeding and damage to the blood vessels.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes is a disease that is caused by your body’s inability to produce insulin or inability to use the insulin you do produce to effectively control your blood sugar levels. All types of Diabetes can lead to damage of the blood vessels in your retina leading to bleeding, leaking fluid, or lack of blood flow. These findings can lead to reduced vision or even permanent vision loss.

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Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy

The Silent Vision Thief

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

Diabetic retinopathy can only be diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam, which evaluates the health of the inside of your eye. Your doctor may use a dilated eye exam, retinal photography, or Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to evaluate for clinical signs of Diabetic Retinopathy.

28.5%

of adults aged 40 and older with diabetes are affected by diabetic retinopathy, according to the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Standards of Care.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

The most important tool to prevent or reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy is to monitor and maintain your blood sugar. In early stages, retinal findings and vision changes can resolve after blood sugar is better controlled, but careful monitoring is necessary. If proliferative diabetic retinopathy develops, advanced treatments with a retina specialist will be necessary to try to preserve vision.

160M

global cases projected by 2045, driven by rising diabetes prevalence worldwide.

What is Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy?

When Diabetic Retinopathy becomes advanced and the retinal blood vessels become more significantly damaged, you can develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when new blood vessels grow, called neovascularization, to try to aid a damaged retina. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy can cause significant vision changes and can lead to retinal detachments and permanent vision loss.

What is Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy?

The earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy is known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. With this condition, damaged blood vessels in the retina begin to leak small amounts of blood and other fluid into the eye.

Patients may also have deposits of cholesterol or other fats from the blood leak into the retina.

Who is at greatest risk of diabetic retinopathy?

All people with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This is especially true if you have poor blood sugar control.

Your risk of diabetic retinopathy increases if your diabetes is accompanied by:

Pregnancy
Obesity
High blood pressure
High blood lipids
People of African American, Hispanic, or Native American descent are also at greater risk.

Emergency

Symptoms requiring immediate care

Contact an eye care professional or visit an emergency department immediately if you experience any of these.

Sudden complete vision loss

Sudden onset of many floaters

Curtain or shadow across your visual field

Severe eye pain with vision changes

Sudden dramatic increase in floaters following eye trauma

Recognizing the Symptoms

The challenge with diabetic retinopathy symptoms is their delayed appearance. By the time symptoms develop, significant retinal damage has often occurred. However, recognizing these warning signs enables timely intervention.

Early stage — often absent

No symptoms whatsoever
Completely normal vision
No pain or discomfort

This asymptomatic period underscores why regular screening is non-negotiable for anyone with diabetes.

Intermediate symptoms

Fluctuating vision that varies throughout the day
Difficulty focusing, especially when reading
Increased difficulty with night vision
Need for frequent prescription changes
Blurred or wavy central vision
Difficulty reading fine print

Advanced warning signs

Sudden appearance of numerous dark spots or strings
Cobweb-like shadows floating in your vision
Brief flashes of light in peripheral vision
Large dark area or “curtain” blocking vision
Sudden, dramatic vision loss
Persistent eye pain or pressure
Double vision

Whether you need a routine eye exam, specialty treatment, or want to explore our wide range of eyewear options, we are here to help.

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FAQ about Diabetic Retinopathy

How does diabetes affect the eyes (diabetic retinopathy)?

Diabetes damages retinal blood vessels due to high blood sugar, causing leaks, swelling, or blockages (diabetic retinopathy). This disrupts oxygen flow, triggering abnormal vessel growth. Left untreated, it leads to vision loss. Annual dilated eye exams detect early changes, even without symptoms.
Can you go blind from diabetic retinopathy (blindness risks)?

Yes—untreated diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of adult blindness. However, 90% of severe vision loss is preventable with yearly eye exams and timely treatment (per the National Eye Institute). Proliferative stages or retinal detachment pose the highest blindness risk.
What are the first signs of diabetic eye problems (early symptoms)?

Early signs include blurred vision, floaters, faded colors, or dark spots. Many patients have no symptoms initially, making annual screenings critical. Sudden vision changes signal advanced stages (e.g., vitreous hemorrhage). Diagnosed via OCT imaging or fluorescein angiography.
How can I prevent diabetic retinopathy naturally (diet and lifestyle)?

Control blood sugar (target A1C <7%), exercise 150+ mins/week, and eat anti-inflammatory foods (leafy greens, fatty fish). Quit smoking and manage BP/cholesterol. The ADA notes 95% risk reduction with strict glycemic control. Annual eye exams are non-negotiable.
What vitamins help diabetic retinopathy (natural remedies)?

Vitamins C, E, zinc, and omega-3s may support retinal health but aren’t standalone treatments. Studies show omega-3s reduce inflammation, while AREDS2 supplements slow progression in some cases. Always consult your doctor—these complement (not replace) medical therapies.
How long does diabetic retinopathy take to cause blindness (progression timeline)?

Progression varies: Type 1 diabetics may develop retinopathy within 5 years; Type 2 patients often have early signs at diagnosis. Without treatment, 10-15 years can lead to blindness. Rapid vision loss occurs with proliferative stages or macular edema—urgent care is critical.
Does laser treatment work for diabetic retinopathy (laser surgery effectiveness)?

Yes—laser photocoagulation reduces severe vision loss risk by 50-60% in proliferative stages. It seals leaking vessels and halts abnormal growth. Side effects include minor peripheral vision loss. Modern anti-VEGF injections often complement lasers for better outcomes.
Why do diabetics see floaters (diabetic retinopathy symptoms)?
Can high blood pressure make diabetic retinopathy worse (comorbidities)?
What happens if diabetic retinopathy is left untreated (untreated risks)?
Why is early detection of diabetic retinopathy important?
Where can I get tested for diabetic retinopathy?
When does diabetic retinopathy require surgery?
Who should I see if I have diabetic retinopathy?

Key research sources

American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. “Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025.” Diabetes Care 48, Supplement 1 (January 2025): S252–S265.

Roche. “FDA Approves Susvimo® (ranibizumab injection) for Diabetic Retinopathy.” Press Release, May 22, 2025.

Huang, H., Wu, Y., Ye, H., Li, J., Chen, L., and Huang, X. “Risk Prediction Models for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review.” Frontiers in Endocrinology 16 (2025): 1556049.

A note on this page

This page was created to provide comprehensive, evidence-based information about diabetic retinopathy. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have diabetes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with West Broward Eyecare or your local ophthalmologist today.