Care / Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes can affect every layer of the eye, but the most consequential complication is what happens to the small blood vessels of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema can develop with no symptoms at all until vision is already affected — and an annual screening visit is what catches them while there is still time.

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Signs of diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease may have no early symptoms

Early diabetic eye disease often goes undetected because it may cause no warning signs.
By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.

Dark spots or floaters drifting across sight

A sudden change in vision, blur, or new floaters

Trouble seeing at night or in low light

Colours appearing faded or washed out

Sudden vision loss in either eye requires urgent eye assessment.

Why annual screening matters

Silent in the early stages

Early diabetic retinopathy often develops without symptoms because central vision remains unaffected. Regular screening can detect subtle retinal changes before symptoms appear, allowing closer monitoring and timely treatment when needed.

Early disease often goes unnoticed because vision can still feel normal
Macular oedema can be present before a person notices blurred vision
Treatment started early preserves more vision than treatment started late

Treatment and approach

From annual screening to intravitreal treatment

The right approach depends on the type and stage of retinal disease. Some patients need regular monitoring without immediate treatment. Others develop diabetic macular oedema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy and may require prompt treatment. Depending on the findings, options may include intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, retinal laser photocoagulation or vitrectomy surgery for advanced disease.

Intravitreal anti-VEGF

Used to treat diabetic macular oedema and, in selected cases, proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Retinal laser photocoagulation

Used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

Vitrectomy for advanced cases

In advanced cases, vitrectomy can remove blood and scar tissue that are affecting the retina and vision.

Meet your specialist

Care led by specialists you'll meet in person.

Lead Ophthalmologist · Cataract and Retina Surgeon

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD: Dutch-trained ophthalmologist specialising in cataracts, lens exchange, retinal disease, glaucoma, and AMD.

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