Diabetic Retinopathy
Toowoomba-based expert diagnosis. Bulk-billed, no gap injections for eligible patients.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age Australians. With over 1 million Australians living with diabetes and many more undiagnosed, regular eye checks are essential to protect your vision.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). When blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, retinal blood vessels can:
- Leak fluid and blood, causing swelling in the macula (central retina)
- Close off, starving retinal tissue of oxygen and nutrients
- Trigger abnormal new blood vessel growth, which can bleed and cause severe vision loss
Diabetic Macula Oedema (DMO)
When fluid leaks from damaged vessels into the macula, it causes diabetic macula oedema. This is a common complication that can progressively blur central vision. While it won't cause total "black" blindness, it can lead to legal blindness if left untreated.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
In more advanced disease, oxygen-deprived retina releases chemicals that stimulate abnormal, fragile blood vessels to grow. These malformed vessels can leak or bleed into the eye, causing sudden vision loss and potentially devastating eye damage.
Why is regular monitoring important in diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy often has no early symptoms which is why routine eye exams are critical.
Regular eye checks are essential for everyone with diabetes, with more frequent monitoring recommended if diabetic retinopathy has already been detected.
| Your situation | How often to have your eyes checked |
|---|---|
| Diabetes with no previous signs of retinopathy | Every 2 years |
| Signs of diabetic retinopathy detected | Every 12 months (or more frequently as advised) |
How does Toowoomba Ophthalmic Consultants assess diabetic retinopathy?
At Toowoomba Ophthalmic Consultants, we use a careful dilated eye examination combined with Heidelberg Spectralis OCT that provides:
- High-resolution cross-sections of the retina
- Precise detection of fluid and swelling (macula oedema)
- Detailed mapping to guide treatment decisions
If advanced disease is suspected, a retinal angiogram may be performed to confirm abnormal vessel growth and guide laser treatment.
What are the treatment options for diabetic retinopathy?
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and may include:
1. Intravitreal Injections
Medication is injected directly into the back of the eye to reduce swelling (macula oedema) and slow disease progression. These are often the first-line treatment for diabetic macula oedema.
2. Retinal Laser Therapy
Laser treatment may be used to target abnormal blood vessels or areas of the retina that are leaking. It can help prevent further vision loss in advanced proliferative retinopathy.
3. Ongoing Monitoring
Regular OCT imaging and eye exams track your response to treatment and detect any recurrence early.
4. Vitrectomy Surgery
In more advanced cases, vitrectomy surgery may be recommended to remove blood or scar tissue from the vitreous gel inside the eye. This procedure can help restore vision when bleeding or traction on the retina has occurred.
Dr Holcombe will discuss your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on the extent of disease and your overall health.
Why choose Toowoomba Ophthalmic Consultants for diabetes eye checks?
- Expertise: Dr David Holcombe is an experienced ophthalmologist in the management of diabetic retinopathy, and holds a PhD in the field of ophthalmology
- Advanced Technology: Heidelberg Spectralis OCT for precise diagnosis and monitoring
- Affordable: Bulk-billed or no gap intravitreal injections for eligible patients
- Personalised Care: Treatment plans tailored for your stage of diabetes and other health conditions
- Local Access: Expert retinal care in Toowoomba without the need to travel to Brisbane
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Yes. While diabetic retinopathy cannot always be reversed, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can slow or stop the progression of the disease and help preserve vision. Treatment depends on the stage of diabetic retinopathy and may include regular monitoring, intravitreal injections, laser treatment or vitreoretinal surgery.
When is treatment needed for diabetic retinopathy?
Treatment is usually recommended when diabetic retinopathy begins to threaten vision. This may occur if abnormal blood vessels develop (proliferative diabetic retinopathy) or if fluid leaks into the macula, causing diabetic macular oedema. Dr David Holcombe will assess your retina using advanced imaging and recommend treatment based on your individual eye condition.
What treatments are available for diabetic retinopathy?
Treatment options vary according to the severity of the disease and may include:
- Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections to reduce retinal swelling and abnormal blood vessel growth
- Retinal laser treatment (laser photocoagulation)
- Vitrectomy surgery for advanced diabetic eye disease
- Ongoing monitoring with retinal imaging
The most appropriate treatment will depend on your retinal findings, vision and overall eye health.
Do eye injections for diabetic retinopathy hurt?
Intravitreal injections are performed using local anaesthetic eye drops or gel to minimise the discomfort of the procedure. Most patients experience pressure rather than pain, and the procedure usually takes only a few minutes. After the procedure if there is discomfort from the sterilising solution, flushing your eyes with preservative free tears and simple oral analgesia is often helpful. Dr David Holcombe will explain the procedure, expected benefits and any potential risks before treatment.
Can diabetic retinopathy treatment restore my vision?
Treatment aims to preserve vision and reduce the risk of further vision loss. Some patients notice an improvement in vision, particularly when diabetic macular oedema is successfully treated, while others may experience stabilisation rather than improvement. Early diagnosis and timely treatment generally provide the best chance of maintaining good vision.
Book Your Diabetic Retinopathy Assessment in Toowoomba
If you have diabetes or are concerned about changes in your vision, early detection and regular monitoring is the key to preserving your sight.
Contact Toowoomba Ophthalmic Consultants today to schedule your comprehensive diabetic eye assessment.
For all appointments and enquiries, please phone 07 4670 9666
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
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