Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatments can include laser therapy, injections of medication into the eye, and surgery, depending on the stage of the disease.

• Laser Treatment – to treat the growth of new blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina) in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and to stabilise some cases of maculopathy.
• Eye Injections – to treat severe maculopathy that’s threatening your sight
• Steroid Eye Implants – to treat severe maculopathy if eye injections are not suitable or have not worked for you
• Eye Surgery – to remove blood or scar tissue from the eye if laser treatment is not possible because retinopathy is too advanced

Laser therapy can help reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels and prevent further vision loss.

PDR is an advanced stage where new, fragile blood vessels grow on the retina and can cause severe vision problems.

Yes, if left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss or blindness.

Controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help manage and slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Special tests for retinal diseases and uveitis

• Fundus photography
• Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)
• Indocyanine angiography (ICG)
• Fluorescein ophthalmoscopy
• Electro retinography and electro oculography
• Potential acuity meter test (PAM)
• Low vision aid testing
• Ultra sonography
• Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM)

You can have diabetic retinopathy and not know it. The condition often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why an annual eye exam is so important. As it worsens, you may notice symptoms like:

• Blurry vision
• Vision that changes from blurry to clear
• Blank or dark areas in your field of vision
• Floaters, or dark spots in your vision
• Poor night vision
• Colors appear faded

The progression rate varies; it can develop slowly over years or progress more rapidly in some individuals. Regular check-ups are crucial for monitoring and managing the condition.