Diabetic retinopathy

The greatly improved results we can now achieve has transformed how we can treat diabetic retinopathy sufferers.

Until fairly recently, the best option was to laser the retina, but too much of this would create scarring which would gradually lessen sight.

I’m delighted to say that we now have more advanced options – judicious vitrectomy surgery has certainly made a massive difference.

Together with the use of anti-VEGF and steroids, we are often retain excellent vision for diabetic retinopathy sufferers, if we’re able to treat the problem early enough.

The problem

Various problems can result from abnormalities of the blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes. Vision may be decreased due to leakage of fluid or blood in the eye, or fine scar tissue forming on the surface of the retina.

The cause

Normal blood vessels in the eye do not leak fluid or blood. Abnormal blood vessels caused by diabetes can leak. The retina does not see well if it is ‘waterlogged’ or covered with blood. Bleeding in the eye can lead to fibrosis, which can cause further damage to the retina.

The cure

Normal blood vessels in the eye do not leak fluid or blood. Abnormal blood vessels caused by diabetes can leak. The retina does not see well if it is ‘waterlogged’ or covered with blood. Bleeding in the eye can lead to fibrosis, which can cause further damage to the retina.

The prognosis

Dr Bourke will discuss your prognosis with you as each case is different. Sometimes only one or two treatments are required to stabilize the situation, but in other eyes, sometimes many sessions of intravitreal Anti-VEGF with or without laser are required to prevent the progressive growth of abnormal vessels within the eye. Despite all the technical advances in vitreo-retinal surgery, there is no such thing as a retinal transplant at this moment. Therefore, success of any treatment to the retina will always rely on the ability of your retina to recover. The more damaged the retina is to begin with, the less reserve the retina has for responding to treatment.

However, with persistent treatment and follow up, it is most unusual in this day and age to lose total vision from diabetic retinopathy.

Click here for more detailed information on diabetic retinopathy.

Dr Robert Bourke

Dr Bourke explains diabetic retinopathy, as well as outlining what injections are like for a patient.

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