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Advanced Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Anti-VEGF, laser, and vitreoretinal surgery for sight-threatening diabetic eye disease.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Advanced Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes that progresses from non-proliferative changes (microaneurysms, dot-blot hemorrhages, exudates) to proliferative neovascularization with risk of vitreous hemorrhage and tractional detachment, plus center-involving diabetic macular edema.

Modern advanced therapy is centered on intravitreal anti-VEGF agents (ranibizumab, aflibercept, faricimab) for diabetic macular edema and proliferative disease, supplemented by panretinal photocoagulation and vitreoretinal surgery in advanced cases.

Optimal outcomes require optical coherence tomography monitoring, tight HbA1c and blood pressure control, and a structured screening and treatment algorithm tailored to disease stage.

Symptoms

Gradual or sudden vision loss
Floaters
Distorted central vision
Difficulty reading and recognizing colors
Sudden dark shadows or curtain (vitreous hemorrhage)
Sudden loss of vision (tractional detachment)
Pain or redness with neovascular glaucoma

Risk Factors

Long-standing type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Poor glycemic control (high HbA1c)
Hypertension and dyslipidemia
Diabetic kidney disease
Pregnancy in diabetic women
Sleep apnea
History of vitreous hemorrhage

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden floaters or curtain across vision
  • Painful red eye in known diabetic
  • Worsening blurred central vision
  • Sudden loss of peripheral vision
  • Pregnancy planning in diabetic patients
  • New diagnosis of diabetes for baseline retinal screening
  • Failure of vision improvement on current therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Intravitreal anti-VEGF for diabetic macular edema and PDR
02
Panretinal photocoagulation in proliferative disease
03
Focal/grid laser in select macular edema
04
Pars plana vitrectomy for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage
05
Surgical repair of tractional retinal detachment
06
Strict glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control
07
Annual to biannual screening with widefield imaging

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.