Eye Conditions

Diabetic Retinopathy

Our Specialists

Dr Robert Bourke

Dr Lewis Lam

Dr Sharon Morris

Dr Daniel Allbon

Dr Darryl Gregor

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What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious, sight-threatening disease that affects the blood vessels inside the retina.

It is the most common form of blindness in Australians under the age of 50.

There are three main types:

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Macular Oedema

What are the symptoms?

The danger with diabetic retinopathy is that there are no early-stage signs.

Late-stage symptoms include:

Blurred or distorted vision that makes it difficult to read, watch television or recognise faces
Increased sensitivity to glare and difficulty seeing at night
Eye strain and headaches

To ensure early detection and prevention it is crucial to have regular eye examinations at least once a year if you are at risk.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious, sight-threatening disease that affects the blood vessels inside the retina.

It is the most common form of blindness in Australians under the age of 50.

There are three main types:

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Macular Oedema

What are the symptoms?

The danger with diabetic retinopathy is that there are no early-stage signs.

Late-stage symptoms include:

Blurred or distorted vision that makes it difficult to read, watch television or recognise faces
Increased sensitivity to glare and difficulty seeing at night
Eye strain and headaches

To ensure early detection and prevention it is crucial to have regular eye examinations at least once a year if you are at risk.

What causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar levels in the retinal blood vessels and is commonly associated with Type I and Type II diabetes.

When the blood vessels are damaged they are unable to deliver oxygen and nutrients to retinal tissue, which is needed to maintain good vision.

The severity of this disease can also be intensified due to:

– Smoking
– High cholesterol levels
– High blood pressure

Anyone with diabetes, including pregnant women with underlying or gestational diabetes, is at high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and the likelihood of developing the disease increases the longer a person has diabetes.

What are the main types of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy – early form of the disease, where the retinal blood vessels leak fluid or bleed.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy – advanced form of the disease and occurs when blood vessels in the retina disappear and are replaced by new fragile vessels that bleed easily, and that can result in a sudden loss of vision.
Diabetic Macular Oedema – swelling of the macula, caused by the leakage of fluid from retinal blood vessels. It can damage central vision.

Unfortunately there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, however regular eye examinations and treatment can help to maintain your vision.