Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Protect your sight from diabetes-related eye damage
Overview
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the blood vessels in the retina. It is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in India. Regular screening and timely treatment can prevent severe vision loss.
High blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak, swell, or grow abnormally. Early stages may have no symptoms, making regular eye screening essential for all diabetic patients.
Signs & Symptoms
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Floaters (dark spots or strings in vision)
- Dark or empty areas in vision
- Difficulty with colour vision
- Vision loss (in advanced stages)
- No symptoms in early stages
Causes & Risk Factors
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- Poor blood sugar control
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Long duration of diabetes
- Pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
Treatment Options
Anti-VEGF Injections
Injections of anti-VEGF drugs into the eye to reduce macular oedema and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
Laser Photocoagulation
Laser treatment to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce the risk of severe vision loss in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Vitrectomy
Surgical removal of blood and scar tissue from the vitreous cavity in advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Intravitreal Steroids
Steroid injections or implants to reduce inflammation and macular oedema in selected cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should diabetics get their eyes checked?
All diabetic patients should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Those with existing retinopathy may need more frequent monitoring.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Early-stage diabetic retinopathy can sometimes improve with better blood sugar control. Advanced stages cannot be reversed but can be stabilised with treatment.