Are there different options for treating diabetic retinopathy?

Yes: Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, can cause bood vessel pathology in the back of the eye (retinal). This leads to small and large bleeding areas, edema, and scarring which can lead to retinal detachment. Eyes with diabetic retinopathy are at risk for vision decrease or blindness. You should be seeing an ophthalmologic retinal specialist, not an optometrist.

Yes: The exact treatment should be under the direction of an ophthalmologist. Often laser treatments are used. Just as important is close conrtol of the diabetes under the direction of your doctor.

Laser or injections: Laser is most commonly used to treat the two main diabetic retina issues, swelling and new blood vessel growth. Sometimes surgery is required if the retinopathy gets to advanced and begins to damage the retina. There is lots of research surrounding the use of injected medications for swelling in the retina.