Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy Treatments Dr. Bernard Hurley, MD, FRCPC, Vitreoretinal Surgeon

Duration: 1:21

Diabetic retinopathy is treated with a combination of medical treatments and control over the systemic problem itself. Once a patient is diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, the first steps of treatment are to consider the patient's diabetes control. This typically involves dietary modifications and working with the GP, diabetes nurse, or endocrinologist to ensure medications are optimally dosed in order to maintain good blood sugar control in the patient.

Medical treatment of the diabetic retinopathy itself is managed by an ophthalmologist and typically involves a combination of injections or laser treatments that are designed to reduce swelling and prevent new blood vessel growth. Laser is designed to photocoagulate leaky areas of the retina so that they don't produce problems elsewhere in the eye. Medications called antivascular endothelial growth factor or ‘Anti-VEGF’ injections are very effective and can be used to prevent retinal swelling or growth of new blood vessels. If the diabetic retinopathy is caught early enough, it doesn't require specific medical treatment and it may be possible for the patient to be monitored with repeat retinal photography or funduscopic examination. At this early stage, getting control over the diabetes is the first step to preventing further damage.

In summary, if patients are worried about getting diabetic retinopathy, or they have recently been diagnosed with it, they should first consider their diabetes control. This can include lifestyle modifications, weight loss, exercise and dietary alterations. Working with your diabetes health team in order to ensure your blood sugars are well controlled is also an essential step in managing or preventing diabetic retinopathy.

If you have diabetes you should see an optometrist for regular eye exams. If you still need further information about diabetic retinopathy or are worried you may be at risk, please don’t hesitate to contact your local family physician, optometrist, ophthalmologist or other diabetes healthcare provider.

Presenter: Dr. Bernard Hurley, Ophthalmologist, Ottawa, ON

Local Practitioners: Ophthalmologist