Treating diabetic retinopathy

Laser treatment is used mainly if you have new vessels growing (proliferative retinopathy), or if any type of retinopathy is affecting the macula. A laser is a very bright light that is very focused so it makes tiny burns on whatever it is focused on. A 'burn' can seal leaks from blood vessels, and stops new vessels from growing further. The burns are so tiny and accurate that they can treat a tiny abnormal blood vessel. Several hundred 'burns' may be needed to treat retinopathy.

Treatment usually works well to prevent retinopathy from getting worse, and so often prevents loss of vision or blindness. However, laser treatment cannot restore vision that is already lost.  Various eye operations may be needed if you have a bleed into the vitreous humor, or develop a detached retina (which are possible consequences of severe retinopathy).