Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Protect your vision from diabetes-related complications with EyeCare’s advanced retinal care, laser therapy, and personalized treatment plans
Why Choose EyeCare for Diabetic Retinopathy Care in Maldives?
Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness worldwide. At EyeCare Hospital, we provide comprehensive diabetic retina services — from early detection to advanced surgical treatments. Our retina specialists combine advanced imaging with proven therapies like laser treatment, intravitreal injections, and vitreo-retinal surgery to protect and preserve vision.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when prolonged high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, or abnormal vessel growth. Over time, this can result in blurred vision, retinal bleeding, or even detachment.
There are two main stages:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage, with blood vessel leakage and swelling.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage, with abnormal vessel growth that can bleed or cause detachment.
Risk Factors
- Long-standing diabetes.
- Poor blood sugar control.
- High blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Pregnancy in diabetic women.
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Symptoms
- Blurred or fluctuating vision.
- Dark spots or floaters.
- Vision loss (sudden in severe cases).
- Difficulty seeing at night.
Important: Early diabetic retinopathy may have no symptoms — regular eye exams are essential.
Treatment Options at EyeCare
1. Fundus Photography & Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
Purpose: Diagnostic imaging used to assess damage to the retina and detect abnormal blood vessels or leakage.
How it works: A special dye (fluorescein) is injected into a vein, and images are captured as the dye circulates through retinal vessels.
Benefit: Enables accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, especially for laser procedures.
2. Retina Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation)
- Purpose: To stop or slow the leakage of blood and fluid in the retina.
- How it works: A focused laser is used to seal leaking blood vessels or shrink abnormal ones.
- Benefits: Prevents further vision loss, outpatient procedure, relatively quick recovery.
- When recommended: For proliferative retinopathy or macular edema.
3. Intravitreal Injections
- Purpose: To reduce swelling and prevent abnormal vessel growth.
- Medication types: Anti-VEGF drugs (e.g., ranibizumab, aflibercept) or steroids.
- How it works: Medicine is injected directly into the vitreous (gel-like substance in the eye).
- Benefits: Reduces retinal swelling, improves vision, slows disease progression.
- Frequency: May require multiple injections over several months.
4. Vitreo-retinal Surgery (Pars Plana Vitrectomy)
- Purpose: For advanced diabetic retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye) or retinal detachment.
- How it works:
- Small incisions are made in the sclera (white of the eye).
- The vitreous gel filled with blood or scar tissue is removed.
- The retina is reattached using laser, gas, or silicone oil.
- The vitreous is replaced with a clear solution to maintain eye shape.
- Benefits: Restores clarity when bleeding obscures vision, reattaches the retina, prevents further vision loss.
Pre-Operative Care for Vitreo-Retinal Surgery
- Complete retinal examination including OCT and FFA.
- Review of medical history (especially blood sugar, blood pressure, and cardiac status).
- Patients may be advised to:
- Achieve good blood sugar control before surgery.
- Avoid certain blood-thinning medications if instructed.
- Arrange for someone to accompany them home after surgery.
Post-Operative Care for Vitreo-Retinal Surgery
- Medications: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to prevent infection and control swelling.
- Positioning: Some patients may need to maintain a face-down position for several days if a gas bubble is used.
- Protective Measures: Avoid rubbing the eye, protect with an eye shield at night.
- Activity Restrictions: No heavy lifting, swimming, or strenuous exercise until cleared by the doctor.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups to monitor healing, eye pressure, and retinal attachment.
- Long-Term Care: Continued diabetes management (blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol) is vital to prevent recurrence.
Advantages of Diabetic Retinopathy Care at EyeCare
- Dedicated Diabetic Retina Service.
- Comprehensive diagnosis with fundus photography, OCT, and FFA.
- Full range of treatments: laser, injections, surgery.
- Retina specialists with expertise in complex diabetic cases.
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Testimonials
Read inspiring stories from patients who have experienced clearer vision and compassionate care with EyeCare, reflecting the trust and results we strive for every day
Frequently Asked Questions
A. No, but treatment can prevent further damage and preserve vision.
A. At least once a year, more frequently if retinopathy is detected.
A. No, it is performed under local or general anesthesia, and post-operative discomfort is usually manageable with medication.
A. Surgery can improve vision if bleeding or detachment is treated early, but advanced damage cannot always be reversed.
