The leaks tend to get larger if left alone, causing more and more damage. Some people need a couple of treatments, but many people need laser now and again over the years. Blood pressure control also helps to prevent further leakage. Sometimes tiny 'new' blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, as in type 1 diabetes, and these are discussed below. A photo of 'maculopathy'.
Laser is needed to stop the leak spreading.
The larger retinal blood vessels are shown, in red and blue. In a type 1 patient after 14-25 years of diabetes new blood vessels grow before any leaks. The tiny 'new' blood vessels grow froward from the retina, as shown oppostie. Many thousands of laser burns may be necessary to stop the vessels growing. In a typical patient 6-8 laser sessions per eye may be needed, over three years.