Diagnosis and treatment

Diabetics who are over 12 years should have diabetic retinopathy screening each year to detect any issues early. If you experience any diabetic retinopathy symptoms, see your GP or eye specialist immediately.

You will only need to be referred for diabetic retinopathy treatment if significant problems are detected during screening. Otherwise, you can lower your risk of the condition by controlling your blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol, taking your diabetes medication as required, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular eye checks.

However, if you do have a more advanced stage of the condition, you may require treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Patients with DMO may require laser photocoagulation. This diabetic retinopathy laser treatment involves slowing leakage and reducing fluid in the eye by placing small laser burns in the damaged areas of the retina. While this treatment may not cause significant improvements to vision, it is important to prevent the further deterioration of vision.

Other options include diabetic retinopathy treatment injection with anti-VEGF medication into the eye. Surgery to remove scar tissue and blood from the eye may be needed for more serious cases. Your eye specialist will be able to advise you on which treatment is best suited for you.