The main form of treatment available for diabetic retinopathy is laser photcoagulation.

If done early enough laser treatment has been shown to reduce the risk of severe vision loss by as much as 90%.

Laser treatment is not a cure but it does aim to save current sight.

The laser seals the blood vessels that are leaking fluid into the retina, however if there are new blood vessels growing more extensive laser treatment is necessary. In over 80% of cases laser treatment causes the new blood vessels to disappear.

The procedure is not painful and is usually carried out on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic.

To learn more about diabetic retinopathy, visit our dedicated guide.