If retinopathy is detected, more frequent checkups may be necessary. Feeling pressure or pain in the eyes. Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy Since the early 1970s, tremendous strides have been made in treating diabetic retinopathy. The most important breakthrough was the development of laser therapy. This form of treatment, if obtained early enough in the course of diabetic proliferative retinopathy, can prevent severe loss of vision in 90 percent of the cases.
Treatment is given in the proliferative stage to stop symptoms before they start.
Laser treatment is also used for diabetic macular edema. The laser seals the blood vessels that are leaking fluids into the macula. The patient is given a drop of anesthetic in the affected eye. The surgeon uses a foot pedal to direct the laser beam at exact spots in the retina needing treatment. The patient sees a brief flash of light.