Eyes feel fine
Screening is still advised. Early diabetic eye changes often have no symptoms.
Diabetic eye · Himayat Nagar
Diabetic eye screening: a yearly retinal examination
People with diabetes are advised to have a retinal examination every year, because early changes usually cause no symptoms.
Diabetic retina screening illustration What it is
Diabetes slowly weakens retinal vessels.
High blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina. Early changes usually cause no symptoms. Changes found early are generally easier to treat, which is why yearly screening is advised.
When to be screened
Screening is advised even without symptoms.
Early diabetic eye changes usually cause no symptoms, so screening does not wait for them. Diabetes also raises glaucoma risk, which is checked during the same visit.
Due for this year's check
Most adults with diabetes need regular screening, often yearly, or more often if changes are found.
Your visit
What screening involves.
OCT and ultra-widefield retinal imaging. No surgery, no overnight stay. Plan for dilating drops and a driver if possible.
Dilating drops
Widen the pupil for a full retinal view. Near vision may blur for a few hours.
Widefield imaging
Ultra-widefield imaging photographs a wider area of the retina in one capture.
OCT scan
Optical coherence tomography measures retinal layers in detail.
Clear plan
Your surgeon explains findings plainly and what happens next.
If we find something
A clear plan, whatever we find.
Medical retina problems are treated in-house, including injections, guided by OCT and retinal imaging.
Patient guide
Diabetic eye screening: what to know before you decide.
What a screening visit involves, how long to keep for it, and what a normal result does and does not mean.
Who it is for
- Everyone with diabetes, whether or not they have any eye symptoms.
- People with type 2 diabetes are usually advised to have a first retina check when diabetes is diagnosed, and then regularly.
- Women with diabetes who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, as advised by their doctors.
What happens, step by step
- History.Duration of diabetes, recent sugar control, blood pressure and medicines are noted.
- Vision and pressure.Vision is tested and eye pressure is measured.
- Dilating drops.Drops widen the pupils. They take 20 to 30 minutes to work.
- Retina examination and imaging.The surgeon examines the retina, and widefield photographs or an OCT scan are added where needed.
- Result.The findings are explained at the same visit, with the date of your next check.
Which tests are done, and why
- Dilated retina examination.Shows bleeding, leakage or new vessels caused by diabetes.
- Ultra-widefield retinal imaging.Photographs a wide area of the retina in one capture, including the outer retina. It also gives a record to compare next year.
- OCT of the macula.Detects swelling at the centre of the retina, which affects reading vision and may not be visible otherwise.
- OCT angiography, where needed.Shows blood flow in the small retinal vessels without a dye injection.
What you feel
- The drops sting briefly. Near vision is blurred and lights seem bright for a few hours.
- Retinal imaging and OCT are painless. Nothing touches the eye. The camera flash is bright for a moment.
Limits of screening
- Screening detects diabetic changes. It does not treat them or prevent them.
- A normal result applies to the day of the test. Changes can develop later, which is why screening is repeated.
- Control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol with your physician remains the main protection for the retina.
- Dilating drops can, rarely, trigger a sudden rise in eye pressure in eyes with narrow drainage angles. Tell us if you have been told you have narrow angles.
If treatment is advised, the surgeon explains what it is for, the alternatives and the risks before you consent.
How much time to keep
- Around an hour, most of it waiting for the drops to work.
- Do not drive yourself home. Bring sunglasses.
What affects the cost
- Which imaging is needed for your eyes.
- Whether treatment is advised after screening.
The fee for any additional imaging is told to you before it is done.
What to bring
- Your latest blood sugar and HbA1c results.
- A list of your medicines.
- Earlier retina reports or photographs, for comparison.
- Your glasses, sunglasses, and someone to accompany you.
How care is organised here
Assessment, procedure and follow-up as one plan.
Your assessment, your retina care and follow-up visits are planned together, so the findings from your consultation carry through to the procedure and the reviews afterwards.
1
ConsultationExamination, measurements and time for your questions.
2
ProcedurePlanned from the measurements taken at your consultation.
3
Follow-upReview visits at set intervals, with written instructions.
At your consultation
What is discussed before any procedure.
- You meet the operating surgeon before the day of the procedure.
- The lens or treatment plan is discussed in relation to your eye and your daily needs.
- Risks, benefits and alternatives are explained, and results vary from person to person.
- You are told whom to contact after the procedure and when your reviews are due.
Dr. P. Siva Reddy Eye Hospital
Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad. Established 1975.
Surgeon: Dr. H. Siva Mohan Reddy, MBBS, DO, DNB (Ophthalmology). Registered with the Telangana State Medical Council, Reg. No. 57104.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How often should a diabetic get an eye check?
Most adults with diabetes need regular eye screening, often yearly, or more often if changes are found. Your doctor will advise based on your situation.
My eyes feel completely fine. Do I still need screening?
Yes. Early diabetic eye damage often has no symptoms at all. A retinal check finds treatable changes before they ever affect your sight, which is the whole point of screening.
Does the scan hurt?
Retinal imaging and the OCT scan are painless. They do not involve needles or contact with the eye. Dilating drops may blur near vision for a few hours, so it helps to bring someone to drive you home.
What is an intravitreal injection, and is it painful?
It is a tiny medicine injection into the eye, given for conditions like diabetic macular oedema after numbing drops. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain, and it takes only a few minutes.
How many injections will I need?
It varies by case. Some eyes settle in a few doses, others need ongoing treatment with regular review. Your surgeon will explain a clear plan after examining you.
What happens if the screening finds damage?
The surgeon explains your scans and sets out a plan, which may be monitoring on a schedule, medical treatment, or intravitreal injections in-house. Treatment is generally more effective when changes are found early, and results vary.
Is diabetic eye screening or treatment cashless on my insurance?
Intravitreal injections are typically cashless, but it depends on your policy. Send your insurer or TPA name on WhatsApp before visiting and we will confirm cover for your case.
What does a diabetic eye check cost in Hyderabad?
It depends on which scans your eyes need and whether any treatment is required, which the surgeon determines after examining you. A written estimate is given after the consultation. You can contact the hospital on WhatsApp or by phone.
Medically reviewed by Dr. H. Siva Mohan Reddy, MBBS, DO, DNB (Ophthalmology). Registered with the Telangana State Medical Council, Reg. No. 57104. Last reviewed 15 June 2026.
Appointments and contact
You can reach Dr. P. Siva Reddy Eye Hospital on WhatsApp or by phone during OPD hours.
OPD hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 7 PM. Closed on Sunday.