Last updated on
11 November 2025
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Diabetes is a common disease in Singapore and carries a risk of several complications. Among these, the ones that affect the eye are arguably among the most serious.
Diabetic retinopathy is an example. This progressive condition comes about when sustained high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina.
While it may begin without symptoms, it can worsen over time and even lead to vision loss. This is why, when people ask “Can diabetes affect vision?”, diabetic retinopathy is one of the first complications cited.
This article explains the early warning signs as well as diabetic retinopathy causes. We also explain the general rules for diabetic retinopathy treatment guidelines.
A common early clue for diabetic retinopathy is intermittent blurry vision. It may also present as waves of clear sight interspersed with blurry periods.
People may mistake this as a sign that they simply need new glasses. However, when caused by diabetic retinopathy, it could be a sign of swelling in the macula or central part of the retina (also called macular oedema).
It may also be a sign of fluid temporarily shifting due to unstable glucose levels. In either case, it merits an eye assessment from an ophthalmologist.
Some patients also report increased glare from headlights and worsened night vision as early signs of diabetic retinopathy.
These changes may suggest stress to the retina. Again, the general advice is to get an eye screening if experiencing them.
Black specks, cobwebby strands, or dark spots or patches drifting across your field of vision may signal diabetic retinopathy.
These shadowy spots are often caused by retinal bleeding in people with the condition. They may even multiply as the disease progresses.
If you find that you have an increased number of blind spots or missing areas in your visual field, this may be due to diabetic retinopathy. It could be caused by the blood supply being cut off to some parts of your retina.
In more advanced cases, these blind spots may even interfere with everyday activities such as reading or recognising faces.
This symptom should be treated as a sign that the condition is already at the emergent phase. If vision in one or both eyes drops dramatically out of the blue, it could be due to a large bleed in the eye or a retinal detachment.
This requires immediate treatment if the patient is to preserve vision.
This uses targeted lasers to do one of two things:
Different approaches may be used. Focal lasers are often used to target small leaks in the retina. Panretinal photocoagulation or PRP creates controlled burns in the retina to shrink abnormal blood vessels and stop new ones from growing.
While this treatment can help to stabilise the disease, it cannot restore vision that has already been lost. It is often recommended for those in the moderate to advanced stages of the condition.
Injections of medications like anti-VEGF agents may be used to suppress new vessel formation. Meanwhile, steroid medicines can calm inflammation and reduce fluid build-up in the area.
Note that injections are among the first-line treatments for diabetic macular oedema or swelling of the central retina. This is one of the main causes of vision loss for people suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
This is a surgical procedure in which the cloudy vitreous gel and membranes are removed and replaced to restore a clear path of light to the retina.
It is most often used when diabetic retinopathy has led to significant bleeding, causing blood or scar tissue to cloud the vitreous gel of the eye, e.g. after vitreous haemorrhage. It can also be used after tractional retinal detachment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Not every case of diabetic retinopathy may require immediate or invasive treatment. Generally, however, all cases merit regular monitoring and tight diabetes control for the best outcomes.
Here are some common monitoring or imaging tests that may be used:
Through this, doctors can better track progression and develop their recommendations. Patients can also benefit from more informed personal treatment planning.
Diabetic retinopathy is progressive but manageable. If treatment is started early, many patients can retain their vision for life.
With awareness of early signs and adherence to diabetic retinopathy treatment guidelines, the risk of vision loss can be significantly reduced. Eye doctors can provide thorough assessments and consultations to help with the management of the condition.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but manageable complication of diabetes. Watching for its signs and seeking prompt care can help people preserve their vision even with it.
If you suspect you may have developed diabetic retinopathy, schedule an assessment with us at ERS Suntec City. Our team of ophthalmologists can provide a thorough eye health evaluation and personalised care based on your condition.
Book a consultation with our ophthalmologists today to get help in protecting your vision from diabetic complications.
