Diabetic Eye Disease: When Does Surgery Become Necessary?

Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults in Singapore. For people living with diabetes, consistently high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes. This often happens silently and without early warning. Understanding when surgery becomes necessary can help you take proactive steps to protect your sight.

.

Back To: Eye Health Main Page

What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. The most common forms include:

• Diabetic retinopathy – damage to the retina’s blood vessels, leading to leakage, swelling, or bleeding.
• Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) – swelling of the central retina, causing blurred vision.
• Cataracts – clouding of the lens at an earlier age in diabetics.
• Glaucoma – increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve.

In Singapore, where diabetes affects more than 11% of adults, diabetic retinopathy is a common health concern.

When Do These Conditions Require Surgery?

Not every diabetic eye condition requires surgery. In the early stages, blood sugar control, eye injections, and laser therapy can help stabilise vision. Surgery becomes necessary when:

• There is severe bleeding in the eye (vitreous haemorrhage) blocking vision.
• The retina detaches due to scar tissue formation (tractional retinal detachment)
• The macula becomes severely swollen despite medication.
• There is persistent eye pressure not relieved by eye drops.

If left untreated, these complications can lead to permanent vision loss. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate whether surgery is needed based on imaging scans and visual symptoms.

What Surgical Options Are Available In Singapore?

1. Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy is performed to remove the vitreous gel from the eye so that abnormal scar tissues can be removed, abnormal blood vessels can be controlled and blood can be cleared. Removal of membranes (scar tissue) that are attached to the retinal surface allows the retina to settle back into position and restores visual function. It is commonly used in advanced diabetic retinopathy.

2. Cataract Surgery

Diabetics often develop cataracts earlier. Modern phacoemulsification techniques allow safe lens removal and replacement with artificial lenses, improving sight significantly.

3. Glaucoma Surgery

If diabetic eye disease raises intraocular pressure, surgical options like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be performed.

All these procedures are available in Singapore hospitals and specialist eye centres.

How Can You Prevent Severe Diabetic Eye Disease?

The best protection is early detection. Steps include:

• Regular eye screening – at least once a year for all diabetics.
• Good diabetes management – controlling blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
• Healthy lifestyle habits – maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine.
• Avoiding smoking – tobacco accelerates retinal damage.

Our Preferred Doctors (Ophthalmologist) For Treatment Of Diabetic Eyes

Dr Lee Shu Yen

Singapore, Singapore

Advanced Eye Clinic & Surgery

Ophthalmology

[SG] Featured Doctor- Dr Kevin Koo

Orthopaedic Surgeon In Singapore

When Should You See An Ophthalmologist?

Seek professional help immediately if you experience:

• Sudden blurred or distorted vision
• Dark spots, floaters, or flashes
• Partial or total loss of sight

An early appointment with an ophthalmologist familiar with diabetic eye disease can make the difference between reversible and permanent vision loss.

.

Back To: Eye Health Main Page

Preferred Doctor: Dr Lee Shu Yen (Ophthalmologist)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)