What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Persistently high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. Early on there are no symptoms, but it can progress to bleeding, fluid leakage (diabetic macular oedema) and abnormal new vessels that threaten sight. It is a major cause of blindness in working-age adults.
Singapore's national diabetic eye screening programme (including teleophthalmology) detects it early in many patients.
Stages
- Non-proliferative (NPDR): Early changes — microaneurysms, small haemorrhages. Often monitored with tighter diabetes control.
- Diabetic macular oedema (DMO): Fluid at the central retina blurs vision — needs treatment.
- Proliferative (PDR): Abnormal new vessels grow and can bleed or cause retinal detachment — needs prompt treatment.
Treatment Options
- Optimising diabetes control: The foundation — blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Anti-VEGF injections: Injected into the eye to reduce macular swelling and abnormal vessels.
- Laser (focal / panretinal): Seals leaking vessels or treats proliferative disease.
- Vitrectomy surgery: For advanced bleeding or retinal detachment.
Why Screening Matters
Because early diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms, every person with diabetes should have a dilated retinal screening at least yearly (or as advised). Early treatment is far more effective than treating advanced, sight-threatening disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Browse eye specialists →Most people with diabetes should have a retinal (eye) screening at least once a year, or more often if changes are found. Screening is available through polyclinics, the national programme and eye clinics — early detection is key because symptoms appear late.
Screening is relatively low-cost and subsidised in the public system. Anti-VEGF injections cost roughly S$800–S$2,000+ each privately (often a series is needed); laser is a few hundred to ~S$2,000 per session. Treatment is Medisave-claimable and Shield-covered for medically indicated care.
Early changes can stabilise or partly improve with good diabetes control. Established damage and vision loss may not fully reverse, but treatment (injections, laser, surgery) can prevent further loss and preserve sight — making early detection critical.
Yes. Medically indicated treatment such as anti-VEGF injections, laser and vitrectomy is Medisave-claimable up to limits and often covered by Integrated Shield Plans. Confirm specifics with the clinic.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.