Diabetic Retinopathy - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I see if I have diabetic retinopathy?

You should see an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). You should also be undergoing treatment with a diabetologist or an endocrinologist.

2. How can I prevent diabetic retinopathy?

Blindness can be prevented in 90% of people with advanced diabetic retinopathy if the condition is treated before the retina is severely damaged.

Therefore, it is important to have yearly eye examination if you have diabetes. If you have diabetic retinopathy, you may need to have your eyes examined, with the pupils dilated, even more frequently.

It is very important to control your blood sugar levels with your health care provider’s recommendation. This will help slow down the progression of retinopathy and reduce the possibility for a laser surgery.

All pregnant women with diabetes should visit an ophthalmologist during each trimester of their pregnancy for an eye examination to check for retinopathy.

3. Are laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy effective in treating proliferative retinopathy?

Yes. Both treatments are very effective in reducing vision loss due to proliferative retinopathy. The success rate of the treatments is very high. In the face of timely and appropriate treatment, the chances of blindness are less than 5%.

4. Are there any oral medications to treat diabetic retinopathy?

No. However, research is ongoing to look out for drugs that will prevent abnormal blood vessels from growing. The efficacy of corticosteroid injections administered into the eyeball is being investigated.