Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Diabetic Retinopathy?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor who can do eye surgery, or an optometrist, an eye doctor who checks vision and eye health, finds and treats diabetic retinopathy. A primary care doctor or an endocrinologist, a diabetes and hormone doctor, helps manage the diabetes behind it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye.
It is the most common cause of vision loss for people with diabetes.
Symptoms
The early stages usually do not cause symptoms. Some people notice changes in their vision, such as trouble reading or seeing faraway objects. These changes may come and go.
Later symptoms can include:
- Blurred vision and slow vision loss over time.
- Floaters, which are spots or strings drifting in your vision.
- Shadows or missing areas of vision.
- Trouble seeing at night.
In later stages, blood vessels in the retina can bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills your eye. You may then see dark, floating spots or streaks that look like cobwebs.
The disease can lead to other eye problems. One is diabetic macular edema. Leaking fluid causes blurry vision in the part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. Another is retinal detachment, where scars pull the retina away from the back of the eye.
Causes and who gets it
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar due to diabetes. Over time, too much sugar in the blood can damage the retina. The tiny blood vessels that go to the retina change, and some become blocked and leak fluid or bleed. The eye then grows new blood vessels that do not work well and can leak or bleed easily.
Anyone with any kind of diabetes can get it, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Your risk goes up the longer you have diabetes. The chance is also higher if your blood sugar has been poorly controlled.
Other risk factors include:
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Smoking.
- Pregnancy.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye doctor can check for diabetic retinopathy during a dilated eye exam. The doctor puts in drops to widen your pupil and then checks your eyes. The exam is simple and painless.
If the doctor thinks the disease is severe or there is macular edema, you may have a fluorescein angiogram. This test gives pictures of the blood vessels in your retina.
Treatment
In the early stages, your eye doctor will probably just keep track of how your eyes are doing. Some people need a dilated eye exam as often as every 2 to 4 months.
In later stages, it is important to start treatment right away. Treatment will not undo damage to your vision, but it can stop your vision from getting worse. Options include:
- Injections of anti-VEGF medicines, which can slow down diabetic retinopathy, or of corticosteroids.
- Laser treatment to shrink blood vessels and stop them from leaking.
- Eye surgery called vitrectomy if the retina is bleeding a lot or has a lot of scars.
These treatments are not cures, and eye problems can come back. Treatments do not reverse changes that have already happened.
It is also important to control your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Your vision can get worse for a short time when you start a medicine that quickly lowers your blood sugar. Follow your doctor's instructions on your medicines.
When to see a doctor
If you have diabetes and have not seen an eye doctor in the past year, contact one.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a sudden change in your vision. This includes a dark shadow like a curtain over part of your vision, or sudden vision loss.
Call your eye care professional right away if you notice many new floaters or flashes of light, or if you have eye pain or redness.
If you have diabetes and become pregnant, get a dilated eye exam as soon as possible.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can help you keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check and remind you about eye exams. They can also refer you to an eye doctor for tests and treatment.
Common questions
Can diabetic retinopathy be cured?
No, treatment does not cure it. Treatments can reduce vision loss, and early treatment can stop damage and prevent blindness.
Does diabetic retinopathy always cause symptoms?
No, the early stages usually have no symptoms. This is why regular dilated eye exams matter, even if you think your eyes are healthy.
How often should I have an eye exam if I have diabetes?
If you have diabetes, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Some people with the disease need exams as often as every 2 to 4 months.
Can I lower my risk of diabetic retinopathy?
Yes, you can lower your risk by controlling your diabetes. That means keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range, with activity, healthy eating, and your diabetes medicines. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol also helps.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Diabetes and eye disease
- National Eye Institute - Diabetic Retinopathy
- MedlinePlus - Diabetic Eye Problems
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
