Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic Retinopathy

What causes it?

Diabetes is a very common disease. It causes leakage and bleeding of blood vessels on the retina and even glaucoma.

Early Diabetic Retinopathy(DR), or diabetic retinal disease, may not have any symptoms; hence, it is important to have regular screening to identify early signs of DR.

What are the treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)?

Primary prevention is key in the treatment of DR, regular diabetic photo screening is needed to detect early signs of the disease but good diabetic control is even more critical. The better the control, the slower and less likely the development and progression of the disease.

In the event of progression to the diabetic disease, the first line of treatment comes in the form of laser treatment and/or eye injections. If tractional retinal detachment occurs, surgery will be required. In the case of the development of glaucoma secondary to severe diabetes, eye drops, laser and/or surgery may be needed to control eye pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve.