Laser therapy remains an important treatment option for many people with diabetic retinopathy. Depending on the stage of the disease and the areas of the retina affected, laser treatment can help reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications and preserve existing vision.
Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. As the disease progresses, abnormal blood vessels may grow or damaged blood vessels may leak fluid and blood into the retina. In certain cases, laser treatment can help control these changes and reduce the risk of further vision loss.
What Is Laser Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Laser treatment uses carefully targeted beams of light to treat specific areas of the retina.
The goal is not to improve vision immediately, but to treat abnormal retinal changes and reduce the risk of complications that could threaten sight. Your ophthalmologist or retinal specialist will determine whether laser therapy is appropriate based on your retinal examination and the severity of your diabetic eye disease.
When Is Laser Treatment Recommended?
Laser therapy may be recommended for certain patients with diabetic retinopathy, particularly when the disease has progressed or is putting vision at risk.
Treatment may be used to:
- Manage abnormal blood vessel growth
- Treat vision-threatening retinal changes
- Reduce the risk of serious complications
- Help preserve existing vision
- Limit leakage or damage in specific areas of the retina
One of the most established uses of laser therapy is treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal new blood vessels develop because the retina is not receiving enough oxygen.
How Does Laser Treatment Help?
In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, abnormal blood vessels can grow on the surface of the retina or into the vitreous. These vessels are fragile and can bleed, potentially causing significant vision loss.
A type of laser treatment called panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) can treat areas of the peripheral retina. This can reduce the retina’s demand for oxygen and help decrease the stimulus for abnormal blood vessel growth.
Laser treatment may also be used in selected cases of diabetic macular edema to treat areas of retinal leakage.
The specific laser approach depends on the type and severity of diabetic retinopathy present.
Laser Treatment Cure Diabetic Retinopathy?
Laser treatment does not cure diabetes or permanently reverse the blood vessel damage caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Instead, it is designed to control certain complications and reduce the risk of further vision loss. Continued monitoring remains important because diabetic retinopathy can progress even after treatment.
Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with attending regular diabetic eye examinations, is an important part of protecting your vision.
How Many Laser Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments varies from person to person.
Some patients may need only one laser treatment, while others may require multiple sessions depending on the severity of their retinal disease and how the eye responds to treatment.
Your eye specialist will monitor your retina during follow-up appointments and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Diabetic retinopathy can progress without noticeable symptoms, particularly during its earlier stages. By the time significant vision changes occur, the disease may already be advanced.
Regular dilated eye examinations allow your eye specialist to identify retinal changes before they cause major vision loss. When treatment is recommended, starting at the appropriate time can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
If you have diabetes, do not wait for changes in your vision before having your eyes examined.
Diabetic Retinopathy Laser Treatment at Cali Eye
Cali Eye provides diabetic eye care and laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy at its clinics throughout Southern California.
Patients can receive this service at:
All three locations are part of Cali Eye and provide evaluation and treatment for diabetic eye disease. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate the condition of your retina and determine whether laser treatment, injections, monitoring, or another treatment approach is appropriate for you.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or have noticed changes in your vision, scheduling a comprehensive eye examination can help determine whether treatment is needed.
For an overview of the different treatment options available for diabetic eye disease, visit our Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment page.