Treatment and therapy for diabetic retinopathy

The success of a therapy for diabetic retinopathy usually depends on the stage of the disease. In the first step, the timely diagnosis is crucial. Then we find the right treatment for our patients.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy at the ophthalmologist

Our ophthalmological practice uses the latest technologies for the treatment of diabetes-related eye diseases.

  • Treatment of diabetic retinopathy depends on the patient’s findings.
  • In the case of mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, immediate treatment is usually not necessary. Regular checks of the eye condition are essential, however. The correct blood sugar and blood pressure setting is crucial here and determines the further course of the eye disease.
  • Severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy always require therapy in the form of laser coagulation of the retina or, in some cases, in combination with intravitreal injections.
  • Diabetic macular edema with impaired vision is treated with intravitreal injections.

Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy

The following two modern treatment methods are available for the therapy of diabetic retinopathy in its various stages.

Laser coagulation: laser therapy for diabetic retinopathy

Various eye diseases can be treated with laser therapy. In the case of proliferative neovascularization, which can be caused by diabetic retinopathy, the use of laser is usually necessary. Treatment with the laser is precise and gentle.

Therapy with intravitreal injections – intravitreal drug administration

In the case of clinically significant diabetic macular edema, therapy with intravitreal injections (IVOM) is required. During this treatment, an injection is made into the vitreous space of the eye in order to administer the appropriate medication in a targeted manner. With early treatment, the prognosis is better. We therefore recommend patients with incipient diabetic vascular changes to attend regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist in order to be able to start any treatment that may be necessary in good time. For the treatment of diabetic macular edema, repeated intravitreal injections are usually necessary.

Eye surgery for diabetic retinopathy

In the case of proliferative diabetic retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage, without resorption or in the presence of strong traction membranes with the risk of retinal detachment, an operation on the eye may be necessary.


Further information on diabetes and the eye

Don't be afraid of the ophthalmologist!

Our ophthalmological practice specializes in the detection and treatment of diabetes-related eye diseases. We use the latest technologies in ophthalmic medicine, work very sensitively, absolutely sterile and particularly precisely, so that examinations and treatment can be experienced quickly and painlessly.

  • Dr Lemmen Vorschaubild

    PD Dr. Klaus Dieter Lemmen

    Ophthalmologist

    Many years of experience as senior physician and chief physician in specific eye clinics. Focus: Age-related macular degeneration, retinal diseases and diabetes-induced retina diseases

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  • Dr. K Vahdat Vorschaubild

    Dr. Katarina Vahdat

    Ophthalmologist

    Focus: general ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology. Treatment of various macula diseases, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy

    Learn more