Individuals suffering from diabetic retinopathy are often faced with limited options for treatment, especially in the later stages of this condition. Diabetic retinopathy treatment is available to most people in various forms. Most of the time, the condition, which is often caused by high blood glucose levels and diabetes, can be managed at the start with medications. Controlling blood sugar levels can help. When this does not help enough or the condition advances, it may be time to consider medications.
What Happens Next?
Most doctors will start diabetic retinopathy treatment with medications and by improving blood sugar numbers. Sometimes, this is not enough, though. Laser surgery may be an option for some. It involves blocking off the leaking blood vessels in the eyes, which can reduce the swelling located in the retina. A vitrectomy is another procedure you may benefit from. It involves the removal of the vitreous gel and blood from the vessels in the eye that are leaking. This helps to allow light to enter into the eye and focus properly.
Which treatment is right for you? This ultimately depends on the severity of your condition. Most of the time doctors will not pursue invasive procedures as a first step. Yet, this does not mean they are not available to you if you qualify. You may be able to protect your vision long term with one of these more advanced procedures.
Your first step should always be to contact your doctor and to work through a treatment plan. Look for those providers who offer more advanced diabetic retinopathy treatment. Do not settle for believing you do not have options. You will find that there are various ways to improve the condition and there are treatments available that could help to reduce damage to your vision.
