Curing Diabetes

An ophthalmologist uses laser photocoagulation to seal microaneurysms so that they don’t hemorrhage; control the growth of new blood vessels, which may eventually rupture and hemorrhage; and destroy capillaries responsible for plasma and lipid leakage into the retina.Argon laser photocoagulation, the most common procedure for diabetic retinopathy, uses laser beams to destroy specific aneurysms and new and leaking blood vessels. Pan retinal photocoagulation, which controls widespread retinal changes, is used to treat patients who have already experienced some bleeding and vision loss and who have a high risk of more vision loss. In this procedure, the ophthalmologist scatters laser beams across the retina, producing as many as 2,000 burns. These burns reduce the retina’s demand for oxygen, which, in turn, reduces new blood vessel growth. In both procedures, the ophthalmologist avoids the macula to protect the patient’s visual acuity.

Complications of laser therapy depend on the type and number of treatments. Some patients experience discomfort. Others complain of a slight loss of vision, a decrease in peripheral vision, or impaired night vision.

Filed under: Chronic Complications