Conditions · Diabetes complications
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Care in Gachibowli, Hyderabad
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye caused by long-term high blood sugar. It usually causes no symptoms until sight is already affected, so regular eye screening is essential: at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, within five years of type 1, and then every one to two years. Good control of sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol lowers the risk, and an eye specialist treats it with injections or laser when needed.
Your eye protection pathway
Screening
A dilated eye examination or retinal photographs, arranged with an ophthalmologist or retinal screening service.
Protect the eyes
Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol are brought to target.
Referral for treatment
If retinopathy or macular swelling is found, an eye specialist plans injections, laser or surgery.
Regular review
Screening every one to two years, or more often if changes are found or in pregnancy.
Symptoms
- No symptoms in the early stages
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden loss of vision (an emergency)
Causes & risk factors
- Longer duration of diabetes
- High blood sugar and HbA1c
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetic kidney disease
- Pregnancy in women with existing diabetes
- Smoking
When to have eye checks
Based on the American Diabetes Association Standards of Care 2026.
| Situation | First eye examination | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes | At diagnosis | Every one to two years if normal; at least yearly if any retinopathy |
| Type 1 diabetes | Within five years of diagnosis | Every one to two years if normal; at least yearly if any retinopathy |
| Pregnancy with existing diabetes | Before pregnancy or in the first trimester | Each trimester and for a year after birth |
Protecting your eyesight
The same steps that protect your kidneys and heart protect your eyes.
- Keep HbA1c in your target range
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Stop smoking
- Tell your doctor about any change in vision
- If you start a medicine that lowers sugar quickly, such as semaglutide, and you already have retinopathy, have your eyes checked closely
How it’s diagnosed
Retinopathy is detected by a dilated eye examination or retinal photographs, arranged through partner ophthalmologists or retinal screening services. Results are reviewed alongside HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol and kidney function.
How it’s treated
Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol are brought to target to slow or prevent damage. When retinopathy or macular swelling needs treatment, an ophthalmologist provides eye injections, laser or surgery, and diabetes care is coordinated around it.
When to seek care
- Sudden loss or major blurring of vision
- A curtain or shadow across your vision
- A sudden shower of new floaters or flashing lights
- Eye pain with redness
FAQ
How often should I have my eyes checked with diabetes?
At diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, within five years of type 1, then every one to two years if normal, and at least yearly if any changes are found.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Early changes can stabilise or improve with good control of sugar and blood pressure. Advanced changes need eye specialist treatment to prevent vision loss.
Is retinopathy painful?
No. It usually causes no pain or symptoms until vision is affected, which is why screening matters.
Who treats diabetic retinopathy?
An ophthalmologist, often a retina specialist, gives injections or laser. Your diabetes doctor manages sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol alongside.
Where can I arrange diabetic eye screening near Gachibowli, Hyderabad?
Dr. Ram Kumar G arranges eye screening through partner ophthalmologists and manages the diabetes side at Boston Diabetes Center, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. Call or WhatsApp 09618994555.
Medical disclaimer: Content on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary between patients. Boston Diabetes Center is outpatient / day-care specialty centre with an on-site diagnostic lab and pharmacy — no inpatient beds; imaging and inpatient care are coordinated through partner facilities.