Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Cost in India - Get Cost Estimate

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy and Why Does It Require Treatment?

Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive eye condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It develops as a complication of diabetes, particularly when blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled for a prolonged period. Over time, high glucose levels damage the tiny retinal vessels, leading to leakage, swelling, or abnormal new blood vessel formation. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause vision impairment or even permanent blindness. Treatment is essential not only to preserve sight but also to prevent the condition from advancing to more severe stages.

What Are the Early Steps in Managing Diabetic Retinopathy?

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, often called non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), treatment may focus primarily on controlling underlying diabetes. Managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can slow the disease’s progression and reduce the risk of complications. Regular eye exams, ideally once a year, are crucial for early detection. If diabetic retinopathy is detected early and managed properly, it may not require any immediate surgical intervention, but close monitoring becomes essential.

How Is Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

Once diabetic retinopathy progresses to the proliferative stage, where abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina or into the vitreous (the gel inside the eye), more aggressive treatment is necessary. These fragile vessels can bleed easily, leading to vision loss. At this stage, ophthalmologists may recommend laser treatment, anti-VEGF injections, or even surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how much vision has already been affected.

What Is Laser Photocoagulation and How Does It Help?

Laser photocoagulation is a common treatment used for both proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (swelling in the central part of the retina). This procedure involves using a high-precision laser to seal or shrink the leaking blood vessels, thereby reducing fluid accumulation and halting the growth of abnormal vessels. The procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting and can help preserve existing vision, though it may not significantly improve vision that is already lost.