Retinal Lasers for Diabetes

There are multiple forms of diabetic retinopathy including non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. You can also get swelling in the back of the eye known as diabetic macular edema. Some forms of diabetic retinopathy benefit from laser treatments +/- injections.

Some patients may have no symptoms which is why it is important to get routine eye exams to find early diabetic retinopathy. Other symptoms include decreased vision, warped lines (metamorphopsia), sudden increase in floaters, and shadow in vision (visual field loss).

Some patients with diabetic macular edema may benefit from focal laser. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy generally benefits from laser treatment. Laser treatment does not improve vision but is used to control diabetic retinopathy. In general, diabetic retinopathy is improved with better control of diabetes such as improving blood sugars and regular care. It is important to have routine visits with your regular doctor and eye doctor.