Diabetic retinopathy treatment Korea: types and options

What diabetic retinopathy is

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that occurs in most people with diabetes. When diabetes lasts a long time, the vessels in your eyes are damaged. The retina, which distinguishes colors and objects, is damaged too. Left untreated, or treated too late, it can lead to blindness.

It is part of the care offered at our retina clinic, and the diabetic retinopathy treatment Korea patients receive depends on the stage found at exam.

Cause and symptoms

The cause is diabetes. Persistent high blood sugar gradually damages the tiny retinal vessels, and poor circulation leads to eye complications.

Symptoms

Early on there may be no symptoms. Over time you may notice:

• Decreased vision
• Glare
• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia)
• Floaters
• Flashes of light (photopsia)
• Poorer night vision

Noticeable symptoms often appear only after the disease has advanced, so treatment timing is frequently missed. If you have diabetes, regular retinal exams matter even when your vision feels fine.

Proliferative and non-proliferative types

The two types differ in whether new vessels grow through the retina's boundary membrane.

Non-proliferative

This accounts for 80% of cases. Symptoms include reduced vision, trouble telling colors apart and poorer night vision. It progresses slowly over several years, with vessel changes confined to the retina. Vision loss comes from bleeding or swelling in the macula. Because it can progress to the proliferative type, blood pressure and blood sugar control should start early.

Proliferative

When blood does not reach the retina smoothly, new vessels form. They cannot build normal walls and rupture easily. This leaks plasma proteins and fluorescent substances, and can cause vitreous contraction and retinal detachment. Severe vitreous hemorrhage causes sudden vision loss, so take it seriously.

Treatment options

Injection treatment

Steroid or anti-VEGF injections place antibodies into the eye to suppress vitreous hemorrhage and new vessel growth, and can even improve vision. The procedure takes only 5 minutes, so patients in poor overall health can receive it.

Laser treatment

Focal laser and panretinal photocoagulation treat the ischemic retina that causes fragile new vessels. Laser can reduce severe vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. It is used to prevent severe vision loss when the disease is far advanced.

Surgical treatment: vitrectomy

Surgery removes new vessels and surrounding membranes on the retina. It is used for vitreous hemorrhage or opacity that does not absorb, repeated vitreous hemorrhage, tractional detachment threatening the macula or with tears, severe macular hemorrhage, cases where laser is not possible, and new vessels on the iris.

When to see a doctor

If you have diabetes, book a retinal exam even without symptoms. Seek care quickly for sudden vision loss or new floaters. Related conditions are retinal detachment and retinal vascular disease. Book your free consultation for an exam with an interpreter.