Sometimes vision improves and worsens throughout the day. In another test called fluorescein angiography, leaky blood vessels are detected by a special dye injected into the arm. Pictures of the blood vessels are then taken as the dye makes its way through the retina. The main treatment for diabetic retinopathy, laser photocoagulation, is used to treat significant macular edema and retinopathy. During this procedure, the physician aims a high-energy beam of light onto damaged blood vessels, sealing them and stopping the vessels from leaking.
Laser photocoagulation is performed to stabilize vision and halt progression of vision loss.
In advanced proliferative retinopathy, the laser is used to destroy areas of the peripheral retina to decrease growth of abnormal blood vessels. In this procedure, called a scatter laser treatment, hundreds of small laser burns are made away from the center of the retina. Prevention is the best form of treatment. Annual or semi-annual eye exams are essential for all diabetic patients to prevent or treat the diabetic retinopathy, which left undiagnosed or untreated, leads to significant vision loss. Michael J. Paveloff, M.D. earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine.