DR. MD Maksude Mowla › Services › Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic
Early detection and timely treatment of diabetic eye disease are essential to prevent vision loss. We provide diabetic retinal screening, OCT imaging, fluorescein angiography, retinal laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections, and long-term follow-up for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.
Our specialists are available 6 days a week for in-person and virtual consultations.
Diabetes mellitus affects blood vessels throughout the body — including the small, delicate vessels that nourish the retina at the back of the eye. Over time, persistently high blood sugar damages these vessels, causing them to leak, swell, or close off entirely. This process is known as diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of preventable vision loss in working-age adults worldwide. What makes it particularly dangerous is that it often has no symptoms in its early stages — by the time a patient notices blurred vision, significant damage may already have occurred.
The good news is that with regular screening, good blood sugar control, and timely treatment, the vast majority of diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented. Our dedicated Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic provides systematic assessment and expert management for all patients with diabetes-related eye disease.
Diabetic eye disease is classified into the following categories:
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
The early stage of diabetic retinal disease. Blood vessel walls weaken and develop small balloon-like outpouchings (microaneurysms). These may leak fluid or blood into the retinal layers.
Mild NPDR — Microaneurysms only
Moderate NPDR — Haemorrhages, hard exudates, and cotton-wool spots
Severe NPDR — Extensive changes with significant areas of retinal ischaemia (reduced blood supply), signalling high risk of progression
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
As areas of the retina lose their blood supply, growth signals trigger the formation of new abnormal blood vessels (neovascularisation). These fragile vessels bleed easily, causing vitreous haemorrhage, and can form scar tissue leading to tractional retinal detachment.
Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)
Fluid accumulates in the macula — the central area responsible for reading and detailed vision. DMO is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetic patients and can occur at any stage of retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is frequently silent until it reaches an advanced stage. Symptoms, when present, may include:
• Blurred or fluctuating vision — especially when blood sugar levels change
• Difficulty reading or performing close work
• Floaters — dark spots, strings, or webs drifting across the visual field
• Faded or washed-out colour perception
• Dark or empty patches in the centre of vision
• Sudden severe vision loss from vitreous haemorrhage — requires urgent assessment
Because early-stage diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms, annual eye screening is essential for all people with diabetes — both Type 1 and Type 2 — beginning from the time of diagnosis. Vision that feels normal does not mean the retina is healthy.
Our Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic uses a comprehensive assessment protocol:
Dilated Fundus Examination
The retina is examined in detail after pupil dilation. Grading of diabetic changes guides decisions about treatment and follow-up frequency.
Colour Fundus Photography
Retinal photographs provide a permanent, objective record and allow precise comparison between visits to detect progression.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Cross-sectional imaging of the macula — the most sensitive tool for detecting and measuring diabetic macular oedema. Essential for monitoring treatment response.
Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
A dye-based investigation that reveals leaking blood vessels, areas of retinal ischaemia (poor circulation), and new vessel growth. Guides laser and injection treatment planning.
Systemic Review
We work closely with diabetologists and general physicians. Optimising blood sugar (HbA1c), blood pressure, and cholesterol is an integral part of management in our clinic.
Optimise Systemic Control — Always First
Tight control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol remains the single most effective intervention for slowing diabetic eye disease. Every 1% reduction in HbA1c significantly reduces the risk of retinopathy progression.
Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections
The primary treatment for diabetic macular oedema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Injections are given in the clinic under local anaesthetic drops. Anti-VEGF medications reduce retinal swelling and cause abnormal new vessels to regress. A course of injections is typically required, with ongoing monitoring.
Intravitreal Steroid Implants
Dexamethasone or fluocinolone acetonide implants provide sustained anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema benefit — used in patients with suboptimal response to anti-VEGF, particularly in non-diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease.
Laser Treatment (Panretinal Photocoagulation — PRP)
Laser applied to the peripheral retina reduces the stimulus for new vessel growth. Used for PDR, particularly in combination with anti-VEGF, or when injection therapy is not feasible.
Vitrectomy Surgery
For advanced PDR complicated by non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment, surgery is required to restore vision and stabilise the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy requires lifelong monitoring and proactive management:
Screening intervals (based on severity):
• Stable mild NPDR — Annual review
• Moderate NPDR — 6-monthly review
• Severe NPDR — 3-monthly review
• Active PDR or DMO under treatment — Monthly during active treatment; 3-monthly when stable
• Post-vitrectomy — Frequent early review, then 3–6 monthly long-term
Systemic management targets:
• Blood sugar: Discuss HbA1c target with your diabetologist (commonly < 7–8%)
• Blood pressure: Aim for below 130/80 mmHg
• Cholesterol: Keep LDL cholesterol within recommended target
• Stop smoking: Smoking significantly worsens diabetic vascular disease
Please contact us promptly if you notice sudden vision changes, new floaters, or flashing lights — do not wait for a scheduled appointment.
Common questions about diabetic eye disease and retinal screening
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. It affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The longer the duration of diabetes and the poorer the blood sugar control, the higher the risk of developing retinopathy.
People with type 1 diabetes should begin annual retinal screening five years after diagnosis. Those with type 2 diabetes should be screened at the time of diagnosis. Screening frequency increases to every six months or more often if early signs of retinopathy are detected.
Early stages can be arrested or slowed with good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control. Once significant structural damage has occurred, reversal is not possible, but progression can be halted with appropriate treatment. Early detection through regular screening is therefore vital.
Treatment depends on severity. Options include retinal laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF or steroids) for diabetic macular oedema, and vitreoretinal surgery for advanced complications such as traction retinal detachment or persistent vitreous haemorrhage.
Not necessarily. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the majority of patients can preserve functional vision. However, without treatment, advanced diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable blindness. Regular clinic attendance and adherence to treatment are key to protecting your sight.
