Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment: What Works and What to Expect

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most treatable serious eye diseases when caught in time. The right treatment depends on the stage of disease and the specific complications present. Here is what to expect at each stage.

Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy

No direct treatment is usually needed. The most important interventions are blood sugar control (target HbA1c under 7%), blood pressure management, and cholesterol control. Annual follow-up with dilated retinal exams monitors for progression.

Moderate to Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy

More frequent monitoring — every 3 to 6 months. Optimisation of systemic diabetes management becomes even more critical. If macular edema is present, treatment is indicated.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatment is essential to prevent severe vision loss. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser treatment is the traditional approach. Multiple small laser burns are placed throughout the peripheral retina. This doesn't restore already-damaged areas but prevents further deterioration and new vessel growth.

Anti-VEGF injections have become an alternative or adjunct to PRP laser. They work quickly to regress abnormal blood vessels. Treatment usually involves multiple injections over time.

Vitrectomy surgery may be needed if bleeding into the vitreous doesn't clear, if retinal detachment develops, or if severe scarring is present.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Anti-VEGF injections are first-line treatment. Initial course typically involves 3 to 6 monthly injections followed by individualised ongoing treatment.

Steroid injections or implants may be used when anti-VEGF isn't sufficient. Focal laser treatment targets specific leaky blood vessels and can be useful in select cases.

What to Expect from Anti-VEGF Injections

The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes including preparation. Topical anesthetic drops make the injection painless. The medication is injected through the eye's white surface with a very fine needle. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and resume normal activities the next day.

Results and Prognosis

Early treatment preserves and often improves vision. Most patients can maintain driving and reading vision with appropriate treatment. Delayed treatment results in less vision improvement and more permanent damage.

Treatment at Kenz Eye Care

We provide comprehensive retinopathy assessment with OCT and fundus photography. We coordinate with retinal surgery specialists for advanced cases. We monitor response to treatment and adjust plans as needed. We emphasise systemic diabetes management alongside eye treatment.

Book Your Retinopathy Consultation

Call Kenz Eye Care at 93927 01759 to schedule your evaluation in Kokapet.