A rampant disease like diabetes carries numerous health risks, such as heart attack, narrowing of arteries, stroke and high blood pressure. But one such complication of diabetes that is increasing in recent times is diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening condition that can affect people with high blood sugar. In this condition, excessive levels of sugar in the blood damage the blood vessels in the individual’s retina. The blood vessels can leak, swell, or even close, restricting blood flow.
Since diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and even complete blindness in humans, its treatment becomes necessary. However, before going for treatment, you should know that the treatment depends on the type of retinopathy you are suffering from.
According to doctors, people who have early-stage diabetic retinopathy do not need immediate treatment. When the condition is mild or moderate, controlling blood sugar can effectively slow its progression. It is recommended to consult their doctor and make the necessary changes in their lifestyle to prevent the blood sugar from rising.
In the case of advanced diabetic retinopathy, medical treatment may be required depending on the patient’s condition. The available treatments for advanced diabetic retinopathy are listed below.
- Photocoagulation laser treatment
In this treatment, medical experts use laser to stop or limit the leakage of blood into the eye. Laser burning helps treat abnormal blood vessels and improves the patient’s condition.
- Panretinal Photocoagulation Laser Treatment
This is another laser treatment that shrinks the abnormal blood vessels. Laser is used to treat areas away from the macula with scattered burns. Although the method shrinks the abnormal blood vessels, it can also lead to loss of peripheral vision or night vision.
Some medications are also used to treat diabetic retinopathy. These are called vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors and are injected into the eye. They are effective at stopping the growth of new blood vessels and reducing fluid buildup in the eye.
Patients who witness clouded vision due to leaking blood vessels in the eye are usually recommended this treatment. In this, the doctor makes a small incision in the patient’s eye and removes the scar tissue while also repairing blood vessels.
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