Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults, and it often develops without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. In this blog, we share what diabetic retinopathy is, how it progresses, who is at risk, and how routine eye exams can detect it before permanent damage occurs. 

What is diabetic retinopathy? 

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It develops in people with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, when high blood sugar levels weaken and damage those tiny vessels over time. 

Here’s what happens as the condition progresses: 

• Damaged blood vessels begin to leak fluid or blood into the retina 
• New, abnormal blood vessels may grow on the retina’s surface 
• These abnormal vessels are fragile and prone to bleeding 
• Over time, scar tissue can form and distort or detach the retina 

In its earliest stages, most people feel no pain and notice no change in their vision. That’s what makes it so dangerous, and why routine eye care is important for anyone with diabetes. 

Who is at risk of diabetic retinopathy? 

Anyone with diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer someone has lived with diabetes, the greater that risk becomes. Other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing it include: 

• Poorly controlled blood sugar levels 
• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Pregnancy (in people with diabetes) 
• Smoking    
• Kidney disease 

People from certain backgrounds, including Hispanic, African American, and Native American communities, also face a higher statistical risk of developing diabetic eye disease. 

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy? 

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy typically has no symptoms at all. Many people don’t realize anything is wrong until the disease has progressed significantly. 

When symptoms do appear, they may include: 

• Blurred or fluctuating vision 
• Floaters (spots or strings drifting across your field of vision) 
• Dark or empty areas in your vision 
• Difficulty seeing colors 
• Sudden, severe vision loss in advanced cases 

Because vision changes can develop so gradually, it’s easy to dismiss them or assume they’re just part of getting older. That’s why a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the most reliable way to catch this condition, not waiting for symptoms to show up. 

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed? 

Our eye doctors can diagnose diabetic retinopathy during a comprehensive eye exam. At Specs of Madison, we use Optomap digital retinal imaging to get a detailed, wide-angle view of the retina and identify early signs of diabetic eye disease. 

What is Optomap? 

Optomap is an ultra-widefield retinal imaging device that captures a digital image of approximately 82% of the retina in a single scan. Traditional retinal exams typically require dilation drops and view only a small portion of the retina at a time. Optomap provides a much broader view quickly, comfortably, and without the need for dilation in many cases. 

What does Optomap digital retinal imaging detect? 

During a diabetic eye exam, Optomap imaging can help identify: 

• Microaneurysms (tiny bulges in retinal blood vessels) 
• Retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in or around the retina) 
• Hard exudates (deposits from leaking blood vessels) 
• Abnormal new blood vessel growth 
• Signs of diabetic macular edema 

These findings can be present long before you notice any vision changes. Catching them early gives our eye doctor the opportunity to monitor and act before the disease advances. 

How often should people with diabetes have eye exams? 

The American Diabetes Association and most eye care organizations recommend the following: 

• Type 1 diabetes: A comprehensive dilated eye exam within five years of diagnosis, then annually 
• Type 2 diabetes: A comprehensive dilated eye exam shortly after diagnosis, then annually 
• During pregnancy: People with pre-existing diabetes should have an exam in the first trimester and close follow-up throughout pregnancy 

If you have already been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits—sometimes every few months—to monitor progression. 

Can diabetic retinopathy be treated? 

Catching it early gives you the most options. While there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, several effective treatments can slow or stop its progression: 

• Laser treatment (photocoagulation) — Targets leaking blood vessels or reduces abnormal vessel growth 
• Anti-VEGF injections — Medications injected into the eye to reduce fluid and abnormal vessel growth; often used for diabetic macular edema 
• Vitrectomy — A surgical procedure to remove blood or scar tissue from the eye in advanced cases 
• Blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol management — Controlling systemic health factors remains one of the most powerful ways to slow the disease 

The most important thing to understand: treatment is far more effective before significant vision loss has occurred. That’s why early detection through regular eye exams is critical. 

Protecting your vision before it’s too late 

Living with diabetes means your eyes need consistent attention and not just when something feels wrong. Diabetic retinopathy can quietly progress for years before symptoms appear, but a comprehensive eye exam can catch it at a stage when your eye doctor still has the most options to help protect your vision. 

At Specs of Madison, we provide thorough diabetic eye exams for patients throughout the Madison area. If you have diabetes and haven’t had an eye exam recently, don’t wait until you notice symptoms. Schedule an appointment with us today and give your eyes the care they deserve.