Can retinopathy be cured?

While treatment can slow or stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy, it’s not a cure. Because diabetes is a lifelong condition, future retinal damage and vision loss are still possible. Even after treatment for diabetic retinopathy, you’ll need regular eye exams. At some point, you might need additional treatment.

What is the most severe type of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can progress to this more severe type, known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this type, damaged blood vessels close off, causing the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

What are the signs of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy?

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of the disease in which symptoms will be mild or nonexistent. In NPDR, the blood vessels in the retina are weakened. Tiny bulges in the blood vessels, called microaneurysms, may leak fluid into the retina. This leakage may lead to swelling of the macula.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy in the eye?

1 Vitreous hemorrhage. The new blood vessels may bleed into the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of your eye. 2 Retinal detachment. The abnormal blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy stimulate the growth of scar tissue, which can pull the retina away from the back of the eye. 3 Glaucoma. 4 Blindness.

What are the hard exudates of diabetic retinopathy?

Hard exudates are 500 µm or less (1/3 DD) from the center of the macula with thickening of adjacent retinal tissue. Regardless of the level of their diabetic retinopathy, these patients should be observed for a decrease in vision and monitored with macular OCT and fluorescein angiography, especially if they have CSME.

Which is the best treatment for retinopathy in the eye?

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors (including bevacizumab, and ranibizumab) can be injected into the eye as the initial treatment. Laser treatments may also be used. A detached retina can be reattached.

What does it mean when your retina is damaged?

Retinopathy means that disease has damaged the retina. The retina is the part inside the eye that senses light. Different diseases can cause retinopathy. There can be partial or complete loss of vision. Retinopathy can develop slowly or suddenly, can get better on its own or lead to permanent damage.