Proliferative retinopathy is much more damaging to the vision than nonproliferative retinopathy and can lead to total or nearly total blindness. The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to control diabetes and keep blood pressure at normal levels. People with diabetes should have annual eye examinations starting 5 years after diabetes is diagnosed, so that any necessary treatment can be started early and vision may be saved. Treatment consists of laser photocoagulation, in which a laser beam is aimed through the eye to destroy the new blood vessels and seal off leaking ones. This treatment is painless because the retina doesn't sense pain.
Vision improves after the vitrectomy, and the vitreous humor is gradually replaced.
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