But early diabetic control may slow down the rate of the progression of complications. NOT taking treatment is harmful. Improving diabetic control rarely has an effect on diabetic retinopathy itself, but should be undertaken to try to prevent any further deterioration. They would not have prevented disease but would enable early diagnosis and early treatment and this would benefit your eyesight. Insulin dependent diabetics need to have their eyes examined after they have had diabetes for 8 years and then regularly.
Sight tests are FREE for diabetics.