Diabetic Retinopathy: Symptoms, Causes & Eye Care (2026 Guide)
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Symptoms, Screening and Eye-Care Guidance
- Quick Answer
- Why Screening Matters
- Possible Symptoms
- Who Needs Particular Attention?
- Reducing the Risk of Vision Loss
- When Urgent Care Is Needed
- Vision Concern Scope and Referral
- What to Bring to an Appointment
- Authoritative Reference
- Arrange an Assessment or Referral
- Turn this information into a personal eye-care plan
Diabetic Retinopathy: Symptoms, Screening and Eye-Care Guidance
Quick Answer
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to retinal blood vessels associated with diabetes. Early stages may cause no noticeable symptoms, so people with diabetes need regular dilated eye examinations according to the schedule recommended by their medical and eye-care professionals. Early detection and appropriate referral can help protect vision.
In Kathmandu and worried about your eyes?
Book an eye exam (NPR 400 ≈ US$3) with our English-speaking optometrists in Lazimpat, Boudha or Makalbari — exams by appointment; optical shops open daily 8 AM – 8:30 PM. Card & cash accepted.
Written by Rina Chaudhary. Medically reviewed by Yadav Raut, Consultant Optometrist (M.Optom, Norway). Last reviewed: 17 September 2026.
Why Screening Matters
Diabetic retinopathy can develop before a person notices blurred vision or other changes. A dilated retinal examination allows an eye doctor to look for signs of leaking, blocked or abnormal blood vessels and related complications. The National Eye Institute advises people with diabetes to receive comprehensive dilated eye examinations regularly; the exact schedule should reflect diabetes type, pregnancy, previous findings and the clinician recommendation.
Possible Symptoms
There may be no symptoms at first. Later changes can include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Difficulty reading or seeing distant objects
- Dark spots, floaters or cobweb-like streaks
- Dark or missing areas in the field of vision
- Sudden reduction or loss of vision
Symptoms cannot show how advanced the condition is. Do not wait for vision changes before arranging the recommended eye examination.
Who Needs Particular Attention?
- People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- People who have lived with diabetes for many years
- People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- People whose blood glucose is difficult to control
- People with diabetes who are pregnant or planning pregnancy
A person with diabetes who becomes pregnant should ask their doctor promptly about the timing of a comprehensive dilated eye examination and any additional follow-up.
Reducing the Risk of Vision Loss
Diabetes management is an important part of protecting the eyes. Follow the treatment plan from the medical team and discuss individual goals for blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Attend recommended eye examinations even when vision seems normal. Smoking status, kidney disease, pregnancy and previous retinal findings may also affect the care plan.
When Urgent Care Is Needed
Seek urgent ophthalmic or hospital care for sudden vision loss, a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain or symptoms after an injury. These symptoms should not wait for a routine optical visit.
Vision Concern Scope and Referral
Vision Concern is an eye clinic and optical centre, not an inpatient eye hospital and not a retinal-surgery centre. The team can assess vision and general eye-health concerns and help coordinate referral. Confirm dilated retinal-screening availability before booking. Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and decisions about injections, laser treatment or surgery must be made by the appropriate ophthalmologist or hospital eye service.
What to Bring to an Appointment
- Current glasses and previous prescriptions
- A list of medicines and relevant medical conditions
- Recent diabetes, blood-pressure or eye reports when available
- Details of any new floaters, blurred vision or sudden changes
For patient information on symptoms, dilated examinations, prevention and treatment, see the National Eye Institute diabetic-retinopathy guide. Individual screening and treatment plans must be determined by qualified medical professionals.
Arrange an Assessment or Referral
Confirm the appropriate examination and branch availability before visiting. Emergency symptoms require urgent ophthalmic or hospital care.
Contact Vision Concern | WhatsApp/Viber: +9779841466716
In Kathmandu and worried about your eyes?
Book an eye exam (NPR 400 ≈ US$3) with our English-speaking optometrists in Lazimpat, Boudha or Makalbari — exams by appointment; optical shops open daily 8 AM – 8:30 PM. Card & cash accepted.
Turn this information into a personal eye-care plan
If this topic relates to your symptoms or vision, book an eye assessment at Vision Concern. Share your main concern when booking so the team can confirm the appropriate appointment or referral.
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Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.