VISION CARE IN PAPHOS
Diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels of the retina that affect vision — often without any obvious early symptoms. Regular eye screening is an important part of diabetes management. For diabetic eye disease in Paphos, Dr Valentina Stavrou provides structured retinal assessment, OCT imaging, and management of diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema, including intravitreal injection treatment where indicated.
Chronically elevated blood sugar damages the small blood vessels throughout the body, including those that supply the retina. Over time, this can cause the vessels to leak, become blocked, or stimulate abnormal new vessel growth — each of which can affect retinal function and vision.
Because these changes can develop silently over years, people with diabetes are at risk of significant retinal damage before they notice any change in their vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is the term for diabetes-related changes in the retinal blood vessels. It is classified in stages based on severity.
Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) occurs when fluid leaks into the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes and can occur at any stage of retinopathy.
DMO may cause blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, and reduced contrast. OCT imaging is essential for detecting and monitoring oedema, including cases where vision still feels relatively good.
All people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should have regular dilated retinal examinations. The risk of retinopathy increases with duration of diabetes and with less well-controlled blood sugar or blood pressure.
A thorough diabetic eye assessment typically involves:
Findings are documented and compared at each visit. Progression over time is one of the most important factors in deciding when and how to treat.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of diabetic eye disease.
Alongside ophthalmic treatment, managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol remains one of the most effective ways to slow the progression of diabetic eye disease. Ophthalmology findings are often discussed in the context of overall diabetes management, and coordination with the patient's GP or endocrinologist is sometimes relevant.
Diabetic eye care
People with diabetes who notice sudden changes in vision, new floaters, a dark area or curtain in their vision, or rapidly worsening blur should seek prompt assessment rather than waiting for a scheduled review.
Not always. Diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema can be present and progressing without any noticeable change in vision, particularly in the early stages. This is one of the main reasons why regular eye screening is recommended for all people with diabetes, regardless of how their vision feels.
People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are generally recommended to have a dilated retinal examination at least once a year. Those with no diabetic eye changes and stable systemic control may be able to extend intervals, while those with active retinopathy or macular oedema require more frequent follow-up. The right schedule depends on individual findings.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of retinopathy. Diabetic macular oedema is treated with intravitreal injections, which are effective at improving or stabilising vision in many patients. More advanced proliferative retinopathy may require laser treatment or surgery. Good systemic control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol also plays a significant role in slowing progression.
Diabetic retinopathy refers to changes in the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes. Diabetic macular oedema is a specific complication where fluid accumulates in the macula — the central part of the retina — and is the most common cause of vision loss from diabetes. Both conditions can occur together and are assessed as part of the same evaluation.