Diabetic retinopathy
is a complication of diabetes
Damaged by high sugar levels blood vessels of the retina could cause a leakage into the retina (macular oedema) and deteriorate the vision
Macular Oedema treatment
Current treatment options of diabetic macular oedema are laser and intravitreal injections
Laser option is available for the treatment of macular oedema if the leaking vessels are localised far from the central area
Intraocular injections are indicated when the damaged vessels are too close to the central area and laser is not the best option of the treatment. There are several anti-VEGF intravitreal injections drugs available, but three are most commonly used. Two of these, ranibizumab (brand name Lucentis®) and aflibercept (brand name Eylea®), were designed for the treatment of AMD and both are used in diabetic macular oedema. A third drug, bevacizumab (brand name Avastin®), commonly used "off-label" in patients with AMD, is also could be used in diabetic retinopathy
Advance Diabetic Retinopathy treatment
When advance stage of diabetic retinopathy is detected, retinal laser (pan-photocoagulation) could stabilize the problem, prevent progression and avoid the surgery
When complications of advance stage of diabetic retinopathy such as bleed into the vitreous (vitreous haemorrhage) or scar tissue pulling the retina appear, an operation (vitrectomy) to remove blood or scar tissue could be indicated
How to prevent diabetic retinopathy
To minimise the risk of diabetic retinopathy following actions are advised:
• ensure that blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol are under control
• perform the diabetic eye annual screening