Treatment for Diabetic eye disease |
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Diabetic retinopathy is treated in many ways depending on the stage of the disease. The eye specialist may decide to monitor the progression of the disease or perform further tests before deciding on treatment. These tests include: retinal photography, fluorescein angiography, and digital imaging of the retina.
The very early stage of background diabetic retinopathy (i.e. scattered haemorrhages in the retina) is managed by regular review every 3-6 months. Progression of the retinopathy to the next stage may require laser treatment which at this stage is usually more successful. This is the benefit of regular screening, early detection and treatment.
The growth of abnormal tiny blood vessels and the associated bleeding is treated after resolution of the blood or its surgical removal (Vitrectomy) with Laser surgery called Pan Retinal Photocoagulation (PRP). The eye specialist uses Argon Laser to destroy these abnormal blood vessels, outside the patients central vision. This creates blind spots in the peripheral vision. Argon laser prevents the continued growth of the fragile vessels and seals the leaking ones. The goal of the treatment is to arrest the progression of the disease.
The macula may be involved in diabetic eye disease with rapid visual loss. Diabetic Maculopathy may be treated with direct laser grid ablation or lately with Anti-VEGF injections (Avastin or Lucentis) into the vitreous.