# Diabetic Retinopathy

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/diabetic-retinopathy

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-04

> **Summary:** Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the small blood vessels of the retina caused by high blood sugar in diabetic patients. Diagnosed early, vision loss can often be prevented or delayed with laser treatment, intravitreal injections or vitrectomy surgery.

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## What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
A complication of diabetes affecting the retina, the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye. High blood sugar damages the retinal capillaries, leading to vision problems and, in progressive cases, blindness. With early diagnosis and treatment its progression can usually be halted.

## Causes and Risk Factors
Damage to the retinal blood vessels from long-term high blood sugar is the most common cause. Findings include microaneurysms, soft exudate, neovascularisation and vitreous haemorrhage.

Risk factors:
- Longer duration of diabetes (seen in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes)
- Poorly controlled blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Pregnancy in diabetic women
- Kidney disease in diabetics

## Symptoms
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sudden changes in visual acuity
- Dark spots or blotches in the visual field
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Fading of colours

## Diagnosis
Fundus examination, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography. Diabetic patients should have a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year.

## Treatment Methods
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's general health. Aims: prevent or delay vision loss, treat complications such as macular oedema and prevent the formation of new blood vessels.
- **Intraocular injections:** Anti-VEGF and steroid drugs for complications such as macular oedema; given every few weeks or once a month.
- **Laser therapy:** Closes or shrinks abnormal retinal vessels; usually outpatient, quick and painless. Helps prevent or improve vision loss from macular oedema and reduces the risk of bleeding.
- **Vitrectomy:** Microsurgical removal of some or all of the vitreous gel. Used for serious complications such as vitreous haemorrhage; it can relieve traction on the retina, clean intraocular haemorrhage or remove damaged retinal tissue. Takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the case.
- Other surgical procedures or medications in some cases.

Vitrectomy may be recommended for macular oedema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy or vitreoretinal traction. During surgery the eye is numbed and the eyelids kept open; the surgeon works with a microscope and special instruments. The ophthalmologist explains what to expect before the operation.

## Cost
The price varies depending on the underlying cause and the operation to be performed; the treatment plan is set after a detailed examination and varies from person to person.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Who gets diabetic retinopathy?**
A: Patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The risk increases with the duration of diabetes.

**Q: Can the progression be prevented?**
A: Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control can help prevent progression.

**Q: Can diabetic retinopathy cause vision loss?**
A: If left untreated, it can lead to complete loss of vision.

**Q: Can it occur or progress during pregnancy?**
A: Yes. Pregnant women with diabetes should have regular eye checks.

**Q: How does laser treatment work?**
A: It protects the retina by closing leaking vessels or reducing the formation of new vessels.