Diabetic Eye Screening and Treatment in Oman
Diabetic eye screening is a dilated retinal examination, with retinal photography and OCT scans where needed, that checks for diabetic retinopathy and macular swelling, often before symptoms appear. Finland Eye Center (المركز الفنلندي للعيون) provides diabetic eye screening and treatment in Oman. When treatment is needed, options include anti-VEGF eye injections, retinal laser, steroid implants and, for advanced disease, vitrectomy surgery. Most adults with diabetes should have a retinal check at least once a year. Diabetic eye examinations are available at our clinics in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah and Nizwa.
Diabetic eye care at a glance
- Condition
- Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema
- Screening tests
- Dilated retinal exam, retinal photography, OCT scan
- Treatments
- Anti-VEGF injections, retinal laser, steroid implants, vitrectomy
- How often
- At least yearly; more often if retinopathy is found
- Examinations at
- Muscat, Sohar, Salalah and Nizwa
- Insurance
- Medical care; cover and pre-approval depend on your policy
- Eye clinics in Oman since
- 2007
- Last updated
- 26 October 2026
This page is a patient guide to diabetic eye disease. For retinal treatment and surgery, see our retina care guide and the retinal surgery service page.
About 1 in 3
people with diabetes has some diabetic retinopathy (global pooled data, Yau et al., Diabetes Care, 2012).
A leading cause
of vision loss in working-age adults is diabetic retinopathy (National Eye Institute). Regular screening and timely treatment substantially reduce the risk of severe vision loss.
Why do people with diabetes need eye screening?
Diabetes damages the small blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This is diabetic retinopathy. Leaking vessels can cause swelling at the centre of the retina (diabetic macular oedema), and blocked vessels can trigger abnormal new vessels that bleed.
Early stages usually cause no symptoms, so a yearly retinal examination is the only reliable way to find the disease while treatment works best. People with diabetes are also more likely to develop cataract and glaucoma, which the same visit can check.
What are the stages of diabetic retinopathy?
- 1
Mild non-proliferative
Small bulges (microaneurysms) appear in the retinal blood vessels. Vision is usually unaffected, but monitoring is needed.
- 2
Moderate non-proliferative
Vessels swell and distort, and some blood and fluid may leak into the retina.
- 3
Severe non-proliferative
Many vessels become blocked and parts of the retina lose their blood supply, which drives the growth of new, abnormal vessels.
- 4
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Fragile new vessels grow on the retina. They can bleed into the vitreous gel or pull on the retina and cause detachment, which can lead to severe vision loss without treatment.
How is diabetic eye disease treated?
Treatment depends on the stage and on whether the macula is swollen. Many people need more than one type over time. More on injections, laser and vitrectomy.
| Treatment | What it is | Used for | Where | Visits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-VEGF injection | Medicine injected into the eye after numbing drops | Diabetic macular oedema, proliferative retinopathy | Clinic procedure room | Usually a series, often monthly at first |
| Retinal laser (focal / PRP) | Laser seals leaking vessels or treats retina starved of blood | Macular oedema, proliferative retinopathy | Clinic | One or a few sessions |
| Steroid implant | Slow-release anti-inflammatory implant placed in the eye | Macular oedema, especially when injections are not enough | Clinic procedure room | Lasts several months; pressure is checked afterwards |
| Vitrectomy | Surgery removing the vitreous gel to clear blood and repair the retina | Vitreous haemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment | Operating theatre | Surgery + follow-up; gas or oil may be used |
What are the risks of treatment?
- Eye injections: brief pressure, a red spot on the white of the eye and a few floaters are common. Infection inside the eye, raised pressure or retinal detachment are rare but need same-day care.
- Retinal laser: temporary blurring and discomfort; widespread (PRP) laser can reduce side vision and night vision.
- Steroid implants: can raise eye pressure and speed up cataract, so pressure is checked after treatment.
- Vitrectomy: recovery takes weeks; risks include cataract, raised pressure, bleeding and retinal detachment. If a gas bubble is used, do not fly until your surgeon says it has gone.
Seek care the same day for increasing eye pain, worsening vision, a sudden shower of floaters or a shadow over your vision after treatment. Your retina doctor explains the benefits and risks of each option before you start.
How often should I be screened?
| Type 2 diabetes | First exam at diagnosis, then at least yearly |
|---|---|
| Type 1 diabetes | First exam within 5 years of diagnosis, then at least yearly |
| Diabetes before pregnancy (type 1 or 2) | Exam before pregnancy or early in it, then as your doctor advises during pregnancy and after birth |
| Retinopathy found | More often: every 3–12 months depending on severity |
| After treatment | As directed by your retina doctor |
Based on the American Diabetes Association Standards of Care; your doctor may advise a different interval.
How can I protect my eyes?
Blood sugar
Keep your HbA1c in the target range agreed with your diabetes doctor; better control slows retinopathy.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure speeds up retinal damage; keep it at the target your doctor sets.
Cholesterol
Treat raised cholesterol as prescribed; it contributes to blood vessel damage.
Regular eye exams
The most important step: screening finds retinopathy early, when treatment works best.
No smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and worsens diabetic complications.
Stay active
Regular exercise helps control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Where is diabetic eye screening available?
Diabetic eye examinations are available at the clinics below. Retinal surgery, including vitrectomy, is carried out at our clinics in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah; for injections or laser, your doctor will tell you which clinic to attend.
Diabetic eye care: frequently asked questions
How often should a person with diabetes have an eye exam?
Most adults with diabetes should have a dilated retinal exam at least once a year, starting at diagnosis for type 2 diabetes and within five years of diagnosis for type 1. If retinopathy is found, checks are needed more often, every 3–12 months depending on severity. Women with diabetes who become pregnant need an exam early in pregnancy.
Can diabetic retinopathy cause blindness without symptoms?
It can progress silently. Early diabetic retinopathy usually causes no symptoms, and vision may stay normal until bleeding or macular swelling occurs. That is why screening matters: finding and treating it early greatly reduces the risk of severe vision loss.
Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Yes. Treatment can stabilise it and often improve vision, especially when it is caught early. Anti-VEGF injections and steroid implants reduce macular swelling. Laser seals leaking vessels and treats abnormal vessel growth. Vitrectomy surgery clears bleeding or repairs the retina in advanced disease. Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol also slows progression.
Does insurance cover diabetic eye care in Oman?
Diabetic eye screening and treatment are medical, not cosmetic, so they are commonly included in health insurance. The details, such as the number of injections covered or pre-approval rules, depend on your policy. Our team checks your cover before treatment and can help with approval requests.
What happens at a diabetic eye screening?
Your vision is measured, then drops widen your pupils so the doctor can examine the retina. Retinal photographs and an OCT scan may be taken. The visit usually takes around an hour, and blurred vision from the drops lasts a few hours, so bring sunglasses and do not drive afterwards.
Sources
- National Eye Institute (NEI): "Diabetic Retinopathy"
- American Diabetes Association: Standards of Care in Diabetes, retinopathy section
- Yau JWY, et al. Global prevalence and major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care, 2012; 35(3): 556–564
Last updated: 26 October 2026. General information only; your ophthalmologist will advise on your own eyes.
Book your diabetic eye check
If you have diabetes and have not had a retinal exam in the past year, book one now. Bring sunglasses, as the dilating drops blur vision for a few hours.