Quick read
Key points
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If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and become pregnant, the risk of diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina) can increase, so more frequent eye screening is recommended. In Ireland, the Diabetic RetinaScreen programme offers a dedicated pregnancy screening pathway for this reason.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Referral to the programme by your maternity team at your booking appointment if you have pre-existing diabetes
01 · Know
What is Diabetic RetinaScreen in Pregnancy?
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and become pregnant, the risk of diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina) can increase, so more frequent eye screening is recommended. In Ireland, the Diabetic RetinaScreen programme offers a dedicated pregnancy screening pathway for this reason.
Your midwife, diabetes nurse, or hospital doctor will refer you to the programme at your maternity booking appointment. If you've already been screened within the last three months, a first pregnancy screening appointment may not be needed, but further checks are usually offered as pregnancy progresses, often around 24 weeks.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Screening is free and straightforward
The screening involves a simple photo of the back of your eyes using a digital camera, and is offered free of charge as part of the national Diabetic RetinaScreen programme.
03 · Act
What to Expect
- 1Referral to the programme by your maternity team at your booking appointment if you have pre-existing diabetes
- 2A follow-up screening appointment, often around week 24, if early retinopathy changes are found at your first screening
- 3Urgent referral to an eye specialist if significant retinopathy is detected at any point
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Don't Skip Recommended Screening Appointments
Retinopathy can progress more quickly during pregnancy, so attending recommended screening appointments — even if your vision feels normal — is an important part of protecting your eyesight.
- 1Confirm your referral at your booking appointment.Let your midwife or doctor know about your diabetes so they can refer you promptly.
- 2Attend all scheduled screenings.This usually includes an appointment early in pregnancy and again around 24 weeks if needed.
- 3Keep blood sugar levels well controlled.Good blood sugar management reduces the risk of retinopathy progressing.
- 4Report any vision changes promptly.Blurred vision, spots, or vision loss should be reported to your team without waiting for your next scheduled screening.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Diabetic RetinaScreen in pregnancy ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Diabetic eye screening during pregnancy catches changes early, when treatment is most effective at protecting your sight.
This screening is free and specifically designed for pregnancy — your maternity team will arrange the referral for you.