Change in vision is the major symptom, but is usually not noticeable until the disease has become severe. Diabetic retinopathy usually occurs after an individual has had diabetes for about five years. It can be detected in routine eye exams, so it is essential to see your eye care professional regularly. Altough visual loss that has already incurred can not be reversed, further loss can be slowed or stopped. Laser surgery can shrink the abnormal blood vessels and seal the leaking vessels.
Surgery can also be useful in cases of retinal detachment, or when retinal detachment is a risk.
Macular edema sufferers can also benefit from laser surgery. The Ocular Times , has pictures of diabetic retinopathy and details on other eye health topics.