Diabetic Retinopathy: Protecting Your Eyes from Diabetes Damage
- The Straits Eye Centre
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
Introduction: The Hidden Eye Complication of Diabetes
Diabetes is not just about blood sugar control. Over time, high glucose levels can silently damage the delicate blood vessels in the back of the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy. It is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness among working-age adults worldwide, including Singapore.
The condition often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. This makes regular diabetic retinal screening essential for anyone living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. With timely detection and treatment, vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can often be prevented.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication that damages the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:
Mild non-proliferative retinopathy: Small areas of swelling in retinal blood vessels.
Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy: Blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked.
Severe non-proliferative retinopathy: More blockages deprive areas of the retina of blood supply.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: New, fragile blood vessels grow abnormally, leading to leakage, bleeding, and possible retinal detachment.
Causes and Risk Factors
Poorly controlled blood sugar over time.
Long duration of diabetes (risk rises after 10–20 years).
High blood pressure or cholesterol.
Pregnancy in women with diabetes.
Smoking, which worsens vascular damage.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
In early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. As the condition progresses:
Blurred or fluctuating vision.
Dark spots or floaters.
Difficulty seeing at night.
Vision loss in severe cases.
Because symptoms appear late, screening is the only reliable way to detect changes early.
Risks of Untreated Diabetic Retinopathy
Without timely care, diabetic retinopathy can lead to:
Severe, permanent vision loss.
Retinal detachment.
Glaucoma (secondary to new blood vessel growth).
Complete blindness.
Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy in Singapore
Who should be screened?
All people with diabetes, regardless of age.
Annual screening recommended, as per Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines.
Screening methods include:
Digital retinal photography.
Comprehensive dilated eye exams.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) when needed.
Screenings can be done in hospitals, specialist centres, or community screening programmes.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:
Early stages:
Regular monitoring.
Good diabetes control (blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol).
Advanced stages:
Laser treatment (photocoagulation): Seals leaking vessels.
Anti-VEGF injections: Reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.
Vitrectomy surgery: Removes blood and scar tissue from the eye.
Lifestyle and Prevention Tips
Keep HbA1c (average blood sugar) in target range.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eat a balanced diet and maintain healthy weight.
Quit smoking.
Attend annual eye screenings even if vision seems fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?
Strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can reduce the risk. Regular screenings are key.
2. Is diabetic retinopathy reversible?
No, but treatments can slow progression and preserve remaining vision.
3. How often should I be screened?
Most people with diabetes should have annual retinal screenings. Your doctor may recommend more frequent checks if changes are found.
4. Does diabetic retinopathy always cause symptoms?
No. Many people have no symptoms until vision loss occurs. That’s why screening is vital.
5. What happens if diabetic retinopathy is left untreated?
It can lead to bleeding, retinal detachment, and blindness.
6. Is treatment painful?
Laser treatments and injections are usually well tolerated under local anaesthesia.
7. Do I need surgery for diabetic retinopathy?
Only advanced cases require vitrectomy surgery. Many are managed with laser or injections.
8. Does controlling my diabetes completely prevent retinopathy?
It greatly reduces the risk but does not guarantee prevention. Duration of diabetes still matters.
Meet Our Specialists
At The Straits Eye Centre, your vision care is in the hands of a dedicated team of experienced ophthalmologists. Each of our doctors brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to delivering thorough, patient-focused care for all ages. Whether you need advanced cataract surgery, paediatric eye management, or treatment for complex eye conditions, our team works together to provide the same attentive care we would want for our own families.
Dr Jayant V Iyer
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon
Special interest: Cataract, Glaucoma, General Ophthalmology With specialist training in Singapore and the UK, Dr Jayant V Iyer has served as Head of Department at Sengkang General Hospital and Senior Consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He is committed to delivering safe, precise surgical care with clear communication at every stage.
Dr Jason Lee
Senior Consultant & Medical Director
Special interest: Oculoplastics, General Ophthalmology, Myopia, Cataract, Diabetic Retinopathy Dr Jason Lee has extensive training in eyelid, orbital, and tear system surgery, with fellowships completed in Taiwan and China. Previously a Senior Consultant at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, he co-founded The Vision Mission, a non-profit bringing sustainable eye care to communities in Asia.
Cost, Medisave, and Insurance
Many procedures at The Straits Eye Centre are eligible for Medisave claims under MOH guidelines, and certain insurance plans may cover part or all of your treatment costs. Our patient care team will guide you through eligibility, claim limits, and paperwork, so you can focus on your recovery. For more details, refer to our Medisave & Insurance Guide.
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