Diabetic eye disease
Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina at the back of your eye — a condition called diabetic retinopathy. It often causes no symptoms until it's advanced, which is exactly why regular checks matter so much.
What it is
High blood sugar over time can weaken the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. They can leak, swell or close off, and in later stages the eye grows fragile new vessels that may bleed.
Because this can happen without any change in your vision at first, diabetic eye disease is often picked up on a screening check long before you'd notice a problem yourself.
What you might notice — often nothing at first
- Often no symptoms in the early stages
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- A gradual loss of central vision
Recognise these? Book a consultation and we'll help you get to the bottom of it.
What causes it
It's caused by diabetes — both type 1 and type 2 — and the risk rises the longer you've had diabetes and the less well blood sugar is controlled.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol add to the risk.
How we help
Catching changes early is everything. Dr Leong uses detailed scans of the retina and its blood vessels to detect and monitor diabetic eye disease, and can treat it with laser and other therapies to protect your sight.
If you have diabetes, regular specialist eye checks are one of the best things you can do for your vision.
Common questions
How often should I have my eyes checked with diabetes?
Can diabetic eye disease be treated?
What are the first signs of diabetic eye disease?
Can I lower my risk of diabetic eye problems?
This page is general information, not medical advice, and doesn't replace a consultation. For anything specific to your own eyes, call us for advice or to book an appointment with Dr Leong on 04 470 7663.
Ready to see clearly?
Book a consultation with Dr Leong, or call the clinic to talk it through. We're here to help you see your very best.