New Treatment Could Help Relieve Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

Posted by: Cape Fear Retina in Blog

If you’re struggling with diabetic retinopathy, Cape Fear Retinal Associates in Wilmington explains that a new treatment could help relieve progression.

People with diabetes live with the risk of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy . This condition arises from blood vessel damage or overgrowth caused by uncontrolled blood sugar. Current treatments include regular injections in the eye that inhibit the growth of new blood vessels. These treatments are helpful but require frequent trips to the doctor that are a burden for the patient. Fortunately, people with diabetic retinopathy now have another option that is similarly effective and more convenient. Recent studies indicate that a new, implanted steroid treatment could slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy and even reverse some symptoms.

Promising Developments

The new treatment is an intraocular implant that slowly releases a corticosteroid into the eye. When patients in a controlled study received the implant, the progression of diabetic retinopathy symptoms slowed dramatically. The results of the study indicate that steady, low dose steroid treatment is effective for slowing symptom progression.

Improved Quality of Life

Many people with diabetic retinopathy require monthly injections to maintain their eye health. The new implant requires fewer visits to the doctor, potentially giving patients with diabetes more freedom. Slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy also allows patients to maintain their vision for longer, which may preserve their independence.

The injectable implant is FDA approved and can be administered by a retina specialist. Call Cape Fear Retinal Associates at 877-465-8346 to learn more about intraocular corticosteroid implants for diabetic retinopathy.