In some cases, injections are used for the treatment which is used directly on the retina to remove the swelling and to remove the bleeding. The vitreous fluid is then replaced with a substitute fluid.Rare complications of treatment may include blurred vision, Although both of these treatments can be very effective, your expectations for either treatment should be realistic. Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy, called laser photocoagulation, works in part by creating tiny, painless retinal burns that seal off leaking vessels and reduce swelling. Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy, called laser photocoagulation, works in part by creating tiny, painless retinal burns that seal off leaking vessels and reduce swelling. ... Before problems start is usually the best time for treatment. Your ophthalmologist can directly treat retinopathy with a laser or a surgical procedure called vitrectomy, to prevent further vascular changes and preserve vision. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. Diabetes interferes by disturbing the body’s ability to use and store sugar (glucose). Blood vessel damage is a common complication of diabetes. Diabetic Retinopathy Study were reported in 1976, showing that appropriate laser treatment would dramatically reduce the risk of blindness. It is important that the sugar level of a person is kept low in order to avoid the development or, in the case that the condition is already present, diabetic retinopathy will not progress. Continued. Depending on the severity of your diabetes and related complications, you may also want to discuss the options of See how one patient learned to manage her weight and diet.WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. People with Researchers continue to investigate new drugs that may prevent or slow diabetic retinopathy; your doctor can provide information about the latest medications approved for these purposes. You may have to wait several months to find out if this treatment is improving your condition.Your doctor may recommend vitrectomy surgery if you have a hemorrhage that doesn't clear, if you have retinal detachment, or if laser treatment doesn't sufficiently halt the growth of new vessels. Your medical doctor can help you better control blood sugar and can treat other complications of diabetes that may worsen diabetic retinopathy, such as impaired kidney or heart function. Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that poses a threat to the sight. The number of burns the doctor makes and the number of treatments you need depend on the type and extent of your retinopathy and how well it responds to treatment. Your doctor can provide you with guidelines that may include Routine screening offers the best hope for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. What are the best treatments for diabetic retinopathy? DR is the most common diabetic eye disease and can lead to vision loss— but early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care may help reduce the severity of the disease. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Other Answers On: ITreatment for diabetic retinopathy should involve both a medical doctor and an ophthalmologist. Conventional diabetic retinopathy treatment uses the following techniques - Medications - In general, doctors usually prescribe medicines for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, mostly oral medicines are given to patients with a 2-3 month course. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. 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