Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy
1. How is laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy? Some patients are concerned that laser treatment is destructive, so are there any side effects?
In the past, laser treatment is a kind of damaging treatment, which is commonly known as “pawn-saving” treatment method, in order to protect the macular function of good vision, the peripheral retina is damaged. However, laser treatment is a clear and effective treatment method, and cannot be replaced by other methods at present. Although it is a destructive treatment, it also has no significant side effects.
The current laser treatment is also improving. Beijing Hospital has introduced the latest multi-point matrix scanning laser in recent years, which reduces the damage of previous lasers and destroys little; multi-point simultaneous laser emission, short time and fast completion of treatment; the eye distension and pain felt by patients is significantly reduced, and it is recognized as the most painless laser at present.
2.Does laser treatment need to be done for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, when vision is not affected?
The standard of laser treatment does not depend on the visual acuity, but also on the severity of the lesion but good visual acuity.
3.When is the best time to perform laser surgery? Is laser treatment still suitable for patients with diabetic retinopathy after stage V?
The best time for laser treatment is before the retina is about to develop neovascularization, and patients with stage V or higher usually need surgery, during which laser treatment is required.
4. Does non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy cause vision loss only in the presence of macular edema? Is laser treatment possible? Can vision be improved?
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy does not cause vision loss only in combination with macular edema, other lesions such as optic neuropathy can also cause vision loss.
Previously, the treatment for macular edema was laser, but most of the vision was not improved. Beijing Hospital was the first to use the most advanced international drug razumab intraocular injection to treat macular edema, and then combined with the latest subthreshold laser treatment after the macular edema subsided, achieved very good results, and most patients’ vision improved.
5.Is laser treatment also available for proliferative diabetic retinopathy combined with macular edema?
In the past, proliferative diabetic retinopathy combined with macular edema was treated by laser, but most of the vision did not improve. Beijing Hospital was the first to treat macular edema with intraocular injection of razumab, the most advanced drug in the world, and then combined with the latest subthreshold laser treatment after the macular edema subsided, and achieved very good results, and most patients’ vision improved.
If severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy usually requires vitrectomy surgery, the surgery can be combined with intraocular injection of razumab for macular edema to improve visual acuity.
6. For patients with diabetic retinopathy combined with cataract, should cataract surgery or laser treatment of retinopathy be performed first?
Laser treatment is recommended first, otherwise diabetic retinopathy will worsen. Laser treatment cannot be performed within one month after cataract surgery, which may delay the treatment time.
7.Some patients reflect that their vision decreases with each laser treatment, why is that?
In the past, there might be a short period of vision loss after laser treatment, and then the vision will be restored slowly, which is a normal reaction after laser treatment.
This is a normal post-laser treatment reaction. Nowadays, with newer lasers, this rarely happens because the damage is small.
8.How should I treat recurrent fundus bleeding after laser treatment?
When the eye is just bleeding, it is recommended to take Yunnan Baiyao orally. Control blood pressure and blood sugar. After a week, take Volitene orally, which is usually absorbed when the bleeding is low. If it is not absorbed in a month, vitrectomy is recommended.
9.What preparations and examinations are needed before laser treatment? Do I need to be hospitalized?
Before treatment, you need to dilate your pupils, and you should prepare sunglasses because you are afraid of light. No hospitalization is required.
10.Do I need to take medication after laser treatment? What medications are included?
Usually, eye drops such as diclofenac sodium, pranoprofen, etc. are required after laser treatment.
11.What is the cost of general laser treatment? How many times do I need to do it? Is there any pain?
In the past, severe lesions usually required 4 laser sessions, once a week, with a painful sensation of swelling.
At present, the laser in Beijing Hospital only requires 1-2 times. The cost is 500-1000 RMB.
12.What are the precautions after laser treatment?
No eye rubbing or driving within half an hour after laser. It does not affect normal life such as washing your face.