Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment for Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage of the disease and is directed at trying to slow or stop the progression of the disease.
In the early stages of Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, treatment other than regular monitoring may not be required. Following strict guidelines for diet and exercise and keeping blood sugar levels well-controlled can help control the progression of the disease.
If the disease advances, leakage of fluid from blood vessels can lead to macular edema. Laser treatment (photocoagulation) is used to stop the leakage of blood and fluid into the retina. A laser beam of light can be used to create small burns in areas of the retina with abnormal blood vessels to try to seal the leaks. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF factors and steroids are currently in trials for treatment of diabetic macular edema.
When blood vessel growth is more widespread throughout the retina, as in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a pattern of scattered laser burns is created across the retina. This panretinal photocoagulation causes abnormal blood vessels to shrink and disappear. With this procedure, some side vision may be lost in order to safeguard central vision.
Some bleeding into the vitreous gel may clear up on its own. However, if significant amounts of blood leak into the vitreous fluid in the eye, it will cloud vision and can prevent laser photocoagulation from being used. A surgical procedure called a vitrectomy may be used to remove the blood-filled vitreous and replace it with a clear fluid to maintain the normal shape and health of the eye.
Persons with diabetic retinopathy can suffer significant vision loss. Special low vision devices such as telescopic and microscopic lenses, hand and stand magnifiers and video magnification systems can be prescribed to make the most of the remaining vision.
The best way to treat diabetic retinopathy is to treat the underlying systemic disease and control blood sugar.
Diabetic retinopathy in its early stages usually has no symptoms or early warning signs. Don’t wait for problems. Have your eyes examined once a year!
