Specialists can identify subtle changes in the retina before symptoms appear and apply treatments that can slow or stop vision loss.

Ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases, including those that require surgery. They may be a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO).

Some ophthalmologists subspecialize in diseases of the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye) and vitreous (the clear gel inside the eye).

Retina specialists can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, from injuries and infections to chronic diseases.

Diabetic retinopathy specialists, in particular, are uniquely qualified to detect and manage advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy and its complications, such as macular edema or retinal detachment.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes receive a comprehensive eye exam once a year. This typically involves:

  • Visual acuity tests check how clearly you see up close and far away
  • Visual field tests check your peripheral vision
  • Extraocular motility (EOM) tests assess the muscles around your eyeballs
  • Pupil response tests assess how light enters your eyes
  • Tonometry measures the pressure in your eyes
  • Pupil dilation allows your doctor to inspect the inner parts of your eye

Eye exams may be performed by an optometrist — a doctor of optometry (OD) who provides primary eye care — or an ophthalmologist.

People who display signs of diabetic retinopathy may be referred to a retina specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, it can lead to blurred vision, dark spots, or even blindness.

Retina specialists use a variety of tools to examine the structures at the back of the eye and monitor disease progression. This includes:

  • Ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp exams allow your doctor to inspect the back of your eye
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) checks for fluid in your retina
  • Fluorescein angiography maps blood flow in the retina and identifies leaking or damaged vessels
  • Fundus photography captures detailed images of the back of the eye

Your doctor will recommend treatment if:

While there is no permanent cure for diabetic retinopathy, treatment is highly effective at preventing further vision loss when started early.

Depending on the stage and severity of diabetic retinopathy, this may include:

  • Anti-VEGF injections to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce swelling
  • Laser therapy to seal off leaking blood vessels or prevent the growth of new ones
  • Surgery to remove blood or scar tissue from the vitreous and repair retinal detachment

Regardless of the treatment plan, controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is vital. Maintaining good metabolic control can help prevent the condition from worsening or returning.

If you have diabetes or have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, it’s important to seek care from a qualified specialist. You may be able to get a referral from a primary care physician, endocrinologist, or optometrist.

You can also search online directories from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists to find a specialist near you.

Most insurance companies have an online directory of in-network doctors. However, these lists aren’t always up-to-date. If you have health insurance, you might find it helpful to call your plan provider for real-time assistance.

While many healthcare professionals are involved in the care of people with diabetes, ophthalmologists and diabetic retinopathy specialists play a crucial role in preserving vision and preventing permanent eye damage.

These specialists are trained to detect, monitor, and treat diabetic retinopathy at all stages of the disease, often using advanced diagnostic tools and therapies.