Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy
You have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy (retinopathia diabetica). Your retinal condition is at such a stage that laser treatment will be necessary. The aim of this treatment is prevent the disease from progressing. Continuous monitoring during and after treatment is required. Laser treatment usually needs to be performed on both eyes in more than one session.
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People who have had diabetes for a long time are at an increased risk to develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk is particular great when blood sugar and blood pressure are poorly regulated; i.e. in cases of:
1. Very high or strongly fluctuating blood sugar levels and/or
2. High blood pressure
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Diabetes mellitus may lead to severe eye conditions. This includes different types of glaucoma and cataract. However, the greatest threat to eyesight is diabetes-related damage to the retina, referred to as diabetic retinopathy. In advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy may start to affect the vitreous body, causing haemorrhages and growths in the eye. Such cases can only be treated with extensive combined surgery of the retina and the vitreous body.
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However, maintaining blood sugar levels and blood pressure within the normal range reduces the risk of diabetic eye conditions. Nevertheless, healthy blood sugar levels cannot entirely eliminate the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
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The first vascular changes and small retinal haemorrhages often go unnoticed by the patient
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The physical examination is uncomplicated and completely pain-free. Screening tests are of great importance, because early indications such as first vascular changes or small retinal haemorrhages cannot be noticed by the patient himself. However, it is those early changes that provide clues as to if and when eye treatment may become necessary.
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Today, the most promising treatment for diabetic retinopathy is the use of laser light. Laser treatment eliminates parts of the affected retinal tissue, thereby improving the blood supply of the remaining, functionally important areas of the retina. The aim of the treatment is not to improve eyesight, but to prevent, or at least slow down, the progression of the eye condition.
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