Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and is caused by changes in the blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. When blood vessels are damaged, they leak fluid or blood and may grow weak, brush-like branches and scar tissue. As a result, images that the retina sends to the brain can appear blurry or distorted.

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What are the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

• You have type 1 diabetes
• You have type 2 diabetes
• You do not follow a strict diet
• You do not control your blood sugar levels

Reducing your risk

To reduce your risk or manage the disease, everyone with type 2 diabetes must be seen at least yearly by an ophthalmologist, Eye M.D., from the time of diabetes diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you should see an ophthalmologist yearly beginning five years after the time of diabetes diagnosis.

Maintaining strict control of your blood sugar and following a strict diet are essential to preventing diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes.

Regular medical eye exams can help prevent unnecessary vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an Eye M.D. will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.

Last reviewed and updated in February 2009,
by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.