Advanced, Effective Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options

Being Proactive Is Your Best Defense

If you are diabetic, the most important step you can take to protect your vision is being proactive in your own care. You should undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Once diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, you may need to attend exams more often so your doctor can monitor the progress of the disease. By adequately managing the condition, our team can help you adopt conservative lifestyle changes that can reduce the chance that you will need more invasive treatment in the future. 

Lifestyle Management

To effectively manage diabetic retinopathy and guard against worsening vision, patients are encouraged to first adopt healthy lifestyle habits. We urge our diabetic patients to closely monitor blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, while taking measures to keep them at healthy levels. During a consultation, we can discuss how your diet directly affects your diabetic retinopathy symptoms. We also recommend that you meet with a dietician or nutritionist specially trained in diabetes management.

Other Treatment Options

Unless diabetic retinopathy occurs alongside macular edema, no treatment is needed for the first three stages. However, once it progresses to proliferative retinopathy, Dr. Lain may recommend laser surgery. During a procedure called scatter laser treatment, a highly precise laser will be used to shrink abnormal blood vessels, preventing leakage. Two or more sessions are typically needed to treat all abnormal blood vessels. Dr. Lalin uses a state-of-the-art micro-pulse laser that minimizes trauma to surrounding healthy tissue for enhanced healing. 

If your diabetic retinopathy has progressed to a stage of severe bleeding in the center of the eye, you may also need a vitrectomy. During this surgical procedure, the vitreous gel (soft gel inside the eye) is replaced to restore your eyesight. After a tiny incision is made in the eye, the affected vitreous gel will be removed and replaced with a saltwater solution or gas. Medicated eyedrops will be prescribed to guard against infection, and patients typically wear an eye patch for a short period after the surgery. 

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Lalin Today

Although diabetic retinopathy can never be fully cured, it can be effectively controlled. Take the first step towards protecting your eyesight by scheduling an appointment with a recognized expert in the field. Contact us today to set up an appointment with Dr. Lalin.