Diabetic Laser

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 include: retinal photography, fluorescein angiography, and ultrasound imaging of the eye.

The very early stage of background diabetic retinopathy (i.e. scattered haemorrhages in the retina) is managed by regular review every 3-6 months. Laser treatment at this stage is usually more successful. This is the benefit of regular screening, early detection and treatment.

The growth of the abnormal tiny blood vessels and the associated bleeding is treated 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.

Additional Information

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinal Clinics
• Macular Degeneration