Treatment and Prevention
The key to treating retinopathy is managing the underlying causes of this condition.
Controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes is critical in delaying the onset of diabetic retinopathy. Proper management of diabetes involves taking the prescribed treatments, such as insulin or other diabetes medications, as well as following a healthy diet and exercise program.
Keeping blood pressure under control will help prevent hypertensive retinopathy. Reducing high blood pressure with appropriate medications will help prevent complications. Regular exercise, proper diet, and other lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking will go a long way toward reducing the risk of retinopathy.
Today, many retinal problems are treated with lasers. If a blood vessel has leaked into the vitreous humor and scarring has occurred, your doctor may advise you to have a vitrectomy. This procedure involves removing a part of the vitreous humor along with the scar tissue. If retinal detachment has occurred, surgery may be required to reattach the retina.
Treatment for hypertensive retinopathy includes medications to control blood pressure, laser treatment, and sometime medications injected into the eye (e.g., corticosteroids). But prevention is key for this condition.
If you have proliferative retinopathy, you should speak with your doctor before engaging in strenuous exercise, as it can increase the pressure of the blood vessels in the eyes, causing hemorrhage.
Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.