For this test the doctor injects a special dye into your veins that outlines the eyes blood vessels. At that time he will take pictures of your retina to see if the function and structure of the retinal blood vessels has changed. The ophthalmologist can treat your retinopathy with a laser or a surgical procedure called a Vitrectomy. Laser treatment, called Laser Photocoagulation, creates tiny retinal burns that seal off leaking vessels. The number of burns your doctor makes depends on the extent of your retinopathy.
Treatment can take several months to show improvement.
Your doctor may perform a Vitrectomy if you have a hemorrhage that doesnt clear, you have retinal detachment or if the laser treatment doesn't improve your condition. During Vitrectomy, the doctor drains the inside of your eye, clearing any remaining blood and removing scar tissue. While both of these treatments can be very effective, your exectations for recovery should be realistic. Either treatment cannot restore lost vision but they can prevent further eyesight loss. Diabetic retinopathy can be minimized with a combination of blood sugar control and routine eye exams.