Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that may occur in people who have diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes. 

Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar (glucose). The disease is characterized by too much sugar in the blood, which can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. 

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• Seeing spots or floaters

• Blurred vision

• Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision

• Difficulty seeing well at night

AOA recommends that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

It’s important that anyone who has diabetes gets annual eye exams from an ophthalmologist so that retinopathy can be detected early.

source: aoa