What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can damage your peripheral retina and central retina (macula). In the early stages of the disease, the blood vessels of the retina can either become blocked (leading shortage of blood) or leak (leading to deposition of blood and fluid in the retina). Both of these progressions can reduce vision and damage the retina.

Diabetes affects approximately 3% of our population. In Australia there are close to 750,000 people with diabetes, with the disease being one of the most common causes of reduced vision. All people with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have had diabetes, the more at risk you are of developing diabetic eye disease.

Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Permanent?

Surgery to treat diabetic retinopathy is safe and effective - but it is important to ensure an understanding of the risks which may be involved. You should discuss treatment with your ophthalmologist. If you do not have surgery your condition may continue to worsen.

What are my Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options?

The main treatments for diabetic retinopathy include laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections, and in some cases, vitrectomy. Of course optimising your control over your diabetes is the mainstay of treatment. However, the surgical treatments available are extremely successful in maintaining and stabilising vision.

When you see your eye specialist it is extremely useful for your eye surgeon to know your late short and long term glucose levels (random or fasting blood glucose for short term measurements, and HbA1c for a long term glucose control figure).