Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy may be asymptomatic until the central part of the retina is affected. Regular eye examinations are necessary for people with diabetes, even if they do not have symptoms.

Depending on the severity, symptoms may include sudden vision loss, gradual vision decline, or a central spot in the visual field.

Regular retinal examination in people with diabetes is necessary, even if there are no symptoms. Serious retinal abnormalities can be present in diabetic patients with good vision.

A thorough examination often requires pupil dilation with eye drops, causing blurred vision for several hours.

Additional tests that are frequently needed include OCT and fluorescein angiography. OCT and fluorescein angiography.

• Intravitreal Injections: A small amount of medication is injected into the eye under local anesthesia. Medications used include ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone. These injections are performed for macular edema or new blood vessel growth. The medication is temporary and must be administered regularly.
• Laser Treatment of the Retina: Laser is used to slow the growth of new blood vessels on the retina or, in some cases, to treat macular swelling.