At Pure Sight Eye Surgeons, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye screening, monitoring, and treatment. Dr Adam Plant completed his PhD at the University of Sydney specifically on diabetic retinopathy, and both Dr Plant and Dr Joanne Teong have subspecialty expertise in medical retina, making our team well equipped to manage this condition at every stage.
How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
Diabetic retinopathy
This is the most common diabetic eye condition. High blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina. In the early stages, these damaged vessels may leak fluid or blood, and become blocked. This blockage of blood vessels causes a lack of oxygen to retinal tissues and as the condition progresses, the eye may grow new abnormal blood vessels that are fragile and prone to further leaking, and can cause bleeding into the eye. Scar tissue / fibrosis can also form along the surface of the retina, which may pull on the retina and cause traction or pulling on the retina, causing it to detach. Diabetic macular oedema
When fluid leaks from damaged blood vessels into the macula, it causes swelling that blurs and distorts central vision. This can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy.
Other diabetic eye conditions
Diabetes also increases the risk of developing cataracts at a younger age and raises the risk of glaucoma, including neovascular glaucoma.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)
The earliest stage. Blood vessels weaken and may develop microaneurysms that leak fluid or blood. In mild NPDR, there may be no symptoms.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)
The more advanced stage. The retina responds to reduced blood supply by growing fragile new blood vessels that can bleed, cause scar tissue, and lead to retinal detachment. PDR is a sight-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment.
Screening and Diagnosis
All people with diabetes should have regular dilated eye examinations. The current Australian guidelines recommend:
- Type 1 diabetes: first eye check within 5 years of diagnosis, then annually
- Type 2 diabetes: eyes checked at diagnosis, then at least every 2 years if no retinopathy, or more frequently if it is present
At Pure Sight, diabetic eye screening includes dilated retinal examination, OCT imaging, and, when indicated, fluorescein angiography.
Treatment
Managing the underlying condition
Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is the foundation of preventing and slowing diabetic eye disease.
Anti-VEGF injections are the primary treatment for diabetic macular oedema and some stages of proliferative retinopathy.
Laser treatment
Laser photocoagulation may be used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Vitrectomy surgery
In advanced cases involving significant vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery may be needed. At Pure Sight, Dr Adam Plant performs vitrectomy surgery for patients requiring this intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Early-stage retinopathy may improve with better blood sugar control. However, damage from more advanced stages is generally not reversible. Treatment aims to stabilise the condition and prevent further vision loss.
I have diabetes but my vision is fine. Do I still need eye screening?
Yes. Diabetic retinopathy can develop and progress without noticeable symptoms. By the time vision is affected, significant damage may have occurred. Regular screening allows treatment to start early.