Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Diabetes is a common disease in which blood sugar levels are chronically elevated, leading to a number of complications throughout the body — including the eyes. The most common eye complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of adult blindness.
Request an AppointmentHow Diabetic Retinopathy Develops
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. In early stages, these capillaries leak blood or fluid, which can cause retinal swelling and blurred central vision, or leak into the vitreous humor and cause floaters.
If the condition progresses to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels in the retina close off entirely. New, fragile blood vessels grow to compensate, but they’re prone to scarring and further leakage — a process that can lead to serious vision loss and blindness if untreated.
Early Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Decreased night vision
- New floaters or obscured vision
- Blurry vision
Diabetic retinopathy can typically be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a diabetic eye exam, often well before you’d notice any symptoms — which is exactly when treatment options are most effective. Regular eye exams are essential for anyone living with diabetes.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the stage and severity of the disease. The best way to preserve vision is to vigilantly manage blood sugar levels, which lessens both the chance of retinopathy developing and its rate of progression.
In more advanced stages, we may recommend pan-retinal photocoagulation, a laser technique that seals leaking blood vessels and discourages further abnormal vessel growth. This doesn’t cure diabetic retinopathy, but it helps preserve remaining vision. If the vitreous becomes clouded by blood leakage and doesn’t clear naturally, a vitrectomy — surgical removal and replacement of the vitreous humor — may be necessary to restore clarity.
If you have diabetes or are experiencing any symptoms above, contact Louisiana Eye Specialists today at to schedule a consultation. Our team also monitors related conditions such as PVD and floaters and glaucoma, both of which occur more frequently in diabetic patients.
Request an AppointmentDiabetic Retinopathy FAQs
How often should a diabetic patient have their eyes checked?
We recommend at least once a year, or more frequently if retinopathy has already been diagnosed.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Early-stage changes can sometimes be stabilized with better blood sugar control, but advanced vision loss from scarring is generally not reversible, which is why early detection matters.
Does diabetic retinopathy always cause noticeable symptoms?
No. It can progress silently for a long time, which is why routine screening is so important even without symptoms.
What is pan-retinal photocoagulation?
It’s a laser treatment that seals leaking retinal blood vessels and discourages further abnormal vessel growth in advanced diabetic retinopathy.
Is diabetic retinopathy the only eye risk for diabetics?
No. Diabetics also face higher risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular edema, which is another reason for regular comprehensive exams.
What happens during a diabetic eye exam?
Your eyes are dilated so we can thoroughly examine the retina and blood vessels for early signs of damage.