IT is one of the common complications of diabetes. Diabetes causes damage to blood vessels in the retina.

Symptoms

Patient may have diabetic retinopathy and does not aware because symptoms may not appear in the early stages of retinopathy.

• Eye floaters
• Blurry vision
• Pale or dark areas in the visual field.                                                               
• Poor vision at night.
• Impaired color vision.
• Vision loss.

Factors that May Increase the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy

• High blood sugar level                                                            
• Hypertension                                                               
• High cholesterol                                                           
• Long duration of being diabetic

 Important Information

• Eye examination is recommended, once patient diagnosed as diabetic then annually.
• Diabetic patients should have a dilated eye exam even there are no signs, because patients with diabetes type 2 may have retinopathy before diagnose.
• Pregnant should have diabetic eye screen during trimester of pregnancy, because retinopathy may develop quickly during pregnancy.
• Urgent eye screen is recommended once diabetic patient experiences any vision changes.
• Controlling blood sugar has a significant role in reducing risks of vision loss in long term .Treatment usually does not cure retinopathy completely  , but may help delay of development. 
• Diabetic retinopathy can be controlled or  delayed  through:
• Diet control
• Regular eye exam.
• Maintain blood sugar levels