Eye care·Diabetic Eye Screening & Referrals
Diabetic Eye Screening & Referrals
Diabetes can cause progressive damage to the blood vessels in the retina — often without any early warning symptoms. Annual eye screening is one of the most important steps a person with diabetes can take to protect their vision.
About This Service
Why Diabetic Eye Screening Matters
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in adults worldwide. It develops when chronically elevated blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels supplying the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, and — in advanced stages — abnormal blood vessel growth that can cause severe vision loss.
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy causes no noticeable symptoms. By the time visual symptoms appear, significant damage may already have occurred. This is why regular retinal screening — even in the absence of symptoms — is essential for every person living with diabetes.
At Georgia Kapareliotis Optometrists, retinal examinations for diabetic patients are conducted with thorough documentation and clear communication. Where retinal changes are detected that require specialist management, we provide prompt referral to an appropriate ophthalmologist.
Medical History Review
Discussion of your diabetes diagnosis, duration, control, recent HbA1c levels, and any related systemic conditions (hypertension, kidney disease).
Visual Acuity Assessment
Testing your best-corrected vision at distance and near to establish a baseline and detect any changes from previous visits.
Intraocular Pressure
Measurement of eye pressure — diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, making pressure monitoring especially important.
Retinal Examination
Dilated fundoscopy to examine the optic nerve, macula, peripheral retina, and retinal blood vessels for signs of diabetic changes.
Documentation & Findings
Detailed records of retinal findings, graded for severity. Results explained clearly, with written documentation if required for your GP or endocrinologist.
Referral if Required
Prompt referral to an ophthalmologist where sight-threatening changes are detected, with a full written summary of findings.
Important: If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, annual eye examinations are strongly recommended — regardless of how well controlled your blood glucose levels are. Early detection is the most effective form of prevention.
Risk Factors
Who Is at Greatest Risk?
Long-Duration Diabetes
The longer a person has had diabetes, the greater the likelihood of retinal changes. After 20 years with Type 1 diabetes, nearly all patients show some degree of retinopathy.
Poor Glycaemic Control
Consistently elevated blood glucose levels accelerate retinal damage. Tight control significantly reduces risk, but does not eliminate it entirely — screening remains essential.
Hypertension
High blood pressure compounds retinal damage in diabetic patients. Co-management of both conditions is important for preserving vision.
Pregnancy with Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy can progress rapidly during pregnancy. All diabetic patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should have an urgent retinal assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
My vision seems fine — do I still need a diabetic eye screening?
Yes — this is precisely why screening is so important. Diabetic retinopathy typically causes no symptoms in its early and even moderate stages. Waiting until vision is affected often means that significant, potentially irreversible damage has already occurred. Annual screening while vision is normal is the most effective preventive strategy.
Will my eyes be dilated during the examination?
Dilation (using eye drops to widen the pupils) provides the most thorough view of the retina and is typically recommended for diabetic patients. The drops take approximately 20–30 minutes to work and may temporarily blur near vision for a few hours. Please arrange not to drive immediately after a dilated examination.
What happens if retinal changes are found?
This depends on the severity of the findings. Mild background retinopathy is typically monitored more frequently (every 6–12 months). More significant changes are referred promptly to an ophthalmologist who specialises in retinal conditions, along with a detailed written summary of our findings.
The practice · Morningside, Sandton
Book Your Diabetic Eye Screening
Protecting your vision starts with regular screening. Contact us on WhatsApp or by phone to arrange your appointment.