Diagnostic test · Eye care
Diabetic retinopathy screening
Diabetic retinopathy screening is a check of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, for damage caused by diabetes. The examination uses drops to widen the pupils, and often photographs of the retina. Screening finds changes early, usually before you notice any change in vision.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
At a glance
The essentials.
- Practice
- Eye care
- Type
- Diagnostic test
The full guide
What it is
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the small blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes. Screening is a scheduled examination of the retina through widened pupils, often with fundus photography, which records images of the retina so changes can be compared between visits.
Why an ophthalmologist may recommend it
Everyone with diabetes needs periodic retinal checks, because early retinopathy causes no symptoms. Screening is part of routine diabetes care, alongside blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney checks; the interval depends on the findings and on how long diabetes has been present. Your physician and the ophthalmologist coordinate it.
How to prepare
Take your usual medicines as normal. Bring your glasses, your medicines list, and recent diabetes reports if you have them. The drops blur near vision for a few hours, so plan for someone else to drive you home.
Safety, limitations, and when to contact the clinic
Screening is low-risk; reactions to the drops are uncommon. Screening looks specifically for diabetic retinopathy — it does not replace an eye examination when you have symptoms. Between screenings, get help promptly for a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, a dark curtain across vision, or sudden vision loss.
This website is for information and appointments. It is not monitored for emergencies. For sudden loss of vision, a serious eye injury, or severe eye pain with nausea or vomiting, call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
Results and follow-up
The ophthalmologist explains the findings and what they mean for your screening interval. Some findings need closer monitoring or treatment, which is explained and planned with you and coordinated with your diabetes care.
Sources
Before you come
What to bring and how to prepare
A short checklist to run through before your appointment. If anything here is unclear, call the clinic and ask.
- Take your usual medicines as normal.
- Bring your glasses, your medicines list, and recent diabetes reports if you have them.
- The drops blur near vision for a few hours, so plan for someone else to drive you home.
What happens
On the day.
What to expect from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
before
Getting ready
your vision is checked, and drops are put in each eye. They sting briefly and take about 20 minutes to work.
during
During the visit
the ophthalmologist examines the retina with a bright light and a hand-held lens. Photographs of the retina are often taken through the widened pupil; you see a bright flash, and nothing touches the eye.
after
Afterwards
near vision stays blurred and the eyes stay light-sensitive for a few hours. Sunglasses help on the way home.
Before your appointment
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about preparation, timing and what happens at the clinic.
I have diabetes and my vision is fine. Do I still need screening?
Yes. Early diabetic retinopathy usually causes no symptoms, and changes can be present while vision feels normal. Screening finds them at a stage when they can be monitored or treated.
How often should the eyes be checked in diabetes?
The interval depends on the findings, how long diabetes has been present, and your overall control. The ophthalmologist advises your interval and coordinates it with your physician.
Does the retinal photograph hurt?
No instrument touches the eye for the photograph. You see a bright flash, and the drops used beforehand sting for a moment when they go in.
Where this fits
Related care and consulting times.
The conditions this is used alongside, and when the consultant sees patients at the clinic.
Consultation hours
- Eye care
- Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.