Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

DR is among the most insidious disease. Even when significant changes occur in the eye, the patient may not have symptoms and do not perceive the severity of the situation. Vision may not be affected until the DR progressed into more advanced stages.

Symptoms occur when there is macular edema, or vitreous or retinal hemorrhage with loss of vision. Diabetics often observe transient cloudiness due to fluctuating glucose levels. Prior to correction with appropriate glasses, the glucose level needs to be regulated.

On certain occasions the ophthalmologist is the first doctor to first diagnose diabetes based on the findings or symptoms after an eye examination.

Some of the symptoms at different stages of disease can be:

• Visual transitions and fluctuations
• Floaters
• The formation of a shadow or scotoma in the visual field
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Delayed healing of the cornea after injury
• Diplopia
• Cataract