The Byers Eye Institute at Stanford is dedicated to providing care for diabetic patients who screen positive for diabetic eye disease or have any concerns about their vision in the context of their other health care issues. Our vitreoretinal and other specialists are world leaders in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, and guide our patients towards their next steps of examination and treatment.

What is diabetic retinopathy (DR) 

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the fine blood vessels of the retina. It is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in working-age Americans.

How patients develop DR

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the fine blood vessels swell and leak, causing swelling of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy occurs in more than half of the people who develop diabetes and occurs more often in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

What happens if DR isn’t treated early

It is possible to have diabetic retinopathy for a long time without noticing symptoms until substantial damage has occurred.  Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may occur in one or both eyes and could include: blurry vision, double vision, difficulty reading, floaters and difficulty with color perception.

Why patients should come to Stanford

The world-class retinal specialists at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford use the latest diagnostic tools, cameras and retinal scanners to diagnose and monitor the progression of diabetic retinopathy in a state-of-the-art facility. They will also custom-tailor treatments for each patient to maximize visual outcomes by using the latest lasers, surgical systems, and medicines to address diabetic changes that can lead to vision loss.