During the first three stages of diabetic retinopathy no treatment is necessary unless you have a macular edema. You should control blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol to help prevent progression of the disease.
The fourth stage, proliferative retinopathy is treated with laser surgery. The laser treatment will help shrink the abnormal blood vessels. This form of treatment works best before the blood vessels have begun to bleed, so early detection is necessary. If the bleeding is severe a victrectomy may be required which will remove the blood from the centre of the eye.
It is important to note that laser treatment does not cure diabetic retinopathy; you will always be at risk for new bleeds. Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential.
Find out more about complications of diabetic retinopathy
