Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of retinal damage. While early stages may not require immediate intervention beyond monitoring and blood sugar control, more advanced forms of diabetic retinopathy often need medical or surgical treatment to preserve vision and prevent further complications.
Early Stages (Non-Proliferative Retinopathy)
No immediate treatment may be necessary
Emphasis is placed on managing diabetes through:
Blood sugar control (HbA1c below 7%)
Blood pressure regulation
Lipid management
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, play a vital role
Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)
If swelling occurs in the macula, treatment is required even in early disease stages:
Anti-VEGF Injections:
Medications like ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), or bevacizumab (Avastin)
Injected directly into the eye, reducing vessel leakage and improving vision
Administered monthly at first, then less frequently based on response
Steroid Injections or Implants:
Used in patients who don’t respond to anti-VEGF or have contraindications
Can raise intraocular pressure, so monitoring is essential
Laser Treatment (Focal or Grid Photocoagulation)
Targets leaking blood vessels
Helps reduce macular swelling
Minimises risk of further vision loss, though it does not restore lost vision
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
In advanced cases:
Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP):
Destroys areas of the peripheral retina to reduce new blood vessel growth
Helps prevent severe bleeding and retinal detachment
Side effects may include reduced peripheral or night vision
Vitrectomy Surgery:
Required if there’s bleeding (vitreous haemorrhage) or retinal detachment
Involves removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a clear solution
Allows access to the retina for further treatment
Ongoing Monitoring | Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Post-treatment, patients need regular eye exams
Long-term disease control helps stabilise or improve vision
In summary, treatment of diabetic retinopathy ranges from observation and blood sugar control in early stages to eye injections, laser, or surgery in more advanced cases. Early treatment can preserve sight and prevent irreversible damage.
[Next: Complications and Recovery from Diabetic Retinopathy →]
