What is the treatment approach for proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

In the case of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the most effective treatment approach is laser photocoagulation. This procedure targets abnormal blood vessels that form on the retina due to diabetes. By using focused laser light, the treatment can seal or destroy these vessels, thereby preventing further leakage, bleeding, or potential retinal detachment. The goal of this technique is to halt the progression of the disease and preserve vision.

While controlling blood glucose levels is crucial for overall diabetes management and can help prevent the onset of retinopathy, it is not a direct treatment for existing proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Similarly, surgical removal of the vitreous humor might be necessary in specific advanced cases where there is significant bleeding or retinal detachment, but it is not the first-line treatment. Administration of corticosteroids primarily addresses inflammation rather than the key pathological processes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Thus, laser photocoagulation is not only a well-established intervention for managing proliferative diabetic retinopathy, but it is also aimed specifically at the complications caused by the disease, thereby effectively reducing the risk of vision loss.