The key to maintaining good eyesight, therefore, is early diagnosis and treatment before symptoms occur. Most diabetic patients need dilated eye examinations at least once a year throughout their lifetime. Further testing, including photography and fluorescein angiography, may be done to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of any changes thought to cause visual loss. Good control of your blood sugar can significantly decrease the chances of diabetic retinopathy developing or progressing. However, there are some people who, despite eating right and controlling their diabetes as best as possible, will still get significant eye disease.
Laser photocoagulation is the main way that diabetic retinopathy is treated.
A laser is an instrument that produces a pure, high-intensity beam of light energy. The laser light can be focused onto the retina, selectively treating the desired area while leaving the surrounding tissues untouched. The absorbed energy heats, or photocoagulates, the retina, creating a microscopic spot. Excellent response following laser photocoagulation. The fatty deposits have dramatically resolved.