Diabetic retinopathy treatment is needed if a person is suffering from severe diabetes. It would take extremely high blood sugar levels and completely uncontrolled diabetes to create a condition like this, but it happens. This condition is the most common diabetic eye disease which can be treated with laser treatment but left untreated it is the leading cause of blindness in adults today. Vision loss or blurred vision of any severity is the first sign of diabetic retinopathy. The extremely high blood sugar levels will begin to deteriorate the eye and on examination abnormal blood vessels will be effected in and around the retina and make changes that can greatly effect your vision.

Two types of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

There are two different types of diabetic retinopathy treatment that can be applied to those with severe diabetes. The first is nonproliferative retinopathy which is the early stages of this condition. At this stage, you may not need treatment right away, but you will definitely need to be kept under close watch so your eye professional can see as the condition progresses and advise diabetic retinopathy treatment early before it gets into dangerous territory. The second type is  proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This is where immediate action needs to be taken in order to save your eye sight and further destruction of the blood vessels. Medical journals have spent years researching and reporting on this condition and within many studies you will find that flashing lights and poor night vision are both symptoms that tend to lead to diabetic retinopathy from those who are already diabetic. Macular edema is another common symptom where liquids tend to build up within the eye and create a yellow substance. Within this article we will discuss more about symptoms as well as diabetic retinopathy treatment options.

More info you should look for in advanced cases diabetic retinopathy, what diabetic retinopathy treatment?

1. Focal laser treatment or otherwise known as photocoagulation: this option is meant to help stop the leakage from the eye as well as the buildup itself. The blood vessels that are leaking will be burned with the laser to stop the leakage. For many people this is a temporary situation but a quick surgery that can be done right within your doctor’s office.
2. Scatter laser treatment: this form of treatment is meant to actually shrink the abnormal blood vessels that are causing the problems. The scatter laser burns on the blood vessels make the vessel shrink down and scar and therefore blocks the leakage at the same time.
3. Vitreous is generally a last resort form of vision treatment. Vitreous consists of going into the eyes and removing any excess blood and scar tissue from the middle of the eyes. This is a more intense type of surgery where the doctor will need to make an incision on your eye in order to get into the retina to try and remove the problems. Complications are more prominent with this option but at this point, the doctors are trying to prevent as much vision loss as possible and of course ultimate blindness.

Although these treatments of diabetes are effective, they are certainly not a cure for this condition. Diabetes is a condition that the majority of people have for their entire life and because of this, more retina damage is likely to happen in the future. There are constant studies being performed to try and find a med or some other type of treatment that can not only treat an existing condition but perhaps even prevent one from developing to begin with. There are some medications being tested today that are actually injected directly into your eye to treat the abnormal blood cells and reduce swelling. Still, no matter how much information we have on this disease, the best form of treatment is to manage your blood sugar as closely as you possibly can.

By taking control of your eating habits and increasing the amount of exercise in your life, you are actually preventing the onset of a condition that could potentially blind you. Diabetic retinopathy can occur within any patient suffering from diabetes. The more volatile your blood sugar results tend to be the more at risk you are. Choosing foods within the glycemic index that digest more slowly than others can make a big difference. Taking little steps like this is all that it takes to make the necessary changes in your life and prevent unnecessary conditions. Take advantage of your health care professionals and get as much information as you can regarding diabetes and the conditions that can be created from it as well. Education is the key to living a healthy lifestyle.

It really pays to know and be aware of what diabetic retinopathy treatment is available should you ever require this in the future.