Category: Diabetic Retinopathy

Surgery for diabetic retinopathy is undertaken only in
late stages. Surgery is done for a pull on the retina / bleeding which has not
reduced on its own/ or if the retina has torn and pulled away from its normal
position.

Again visual recovery is better when surgery is
performed as early as suggested.

In some conditions lasers are
repeated weekly or on consecutive days. Laser can be done as many times as
needed .

Laser is done as an outpatient procedure and no restrictions are needed after the same. For an hour or so the vision is blurred which is temporary. Its important to have an attender when planning to have a laser procedure.

Its important to have REGULAR FOLLOW UP  even after laser Sometimes  LASER PROCEDURE IS DONE ON SAME DAY AS INJECTION.

Laser is a common terminology used for various conditions for many different eye conditions.

Laser for diabetic retinopathy
is used for different purposes.

AGAIN LASER FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IS NOT FOR INCREASING VISION; ITS TO PREVENT FURTHER DETERIORATION.

AIM OF TREATMENT IS TO PREVENT FURTHER VISUAL LOSS.

Depending on how early treatment is started, the end
results varies. The earlier treatment is started, better are the results.

There are no fixed number. The
number of injections depends on many factors: the eye condition to begin with,
control of sugar, associated kidney problems and other factors.

INJECTIONS OF ANY NUMBER WILL NOT WORK IF DIABETES AND ITS ASOCIATED RISK FACTORS ARE NOT CONTROLLED.

Some protocols may differ from center to center. Few common points are:

• Generally eye is patched for 2 hours
• To avoid any water into the injected eye for 48-72 hours( avoid head bath)
• Antibiotics may or may not be used( depends on doctor and center)
• To report immediately to treating surgeon in case of sudden pain, redness and visual loss

The procedure of injection is done in a operation theatre and injection given sterile conditions and is NOT painful. Ensure the following before injection.

• Blood sugar< 200mg%
• No redness
• No sticky discharge
• No history of heart attack/ brain stroke within 3 months of injection
• Approval of cardiologist if patient has had any cardiac surgery

This is a myth. Injection Avastin is as safe as any
other injection. Insist on the doctor that the vial of avastin is fresh and the
injection prepared under sterile conditions

Avastin: since the injection gets divided amongst patients, cost id relatively less compared to others.

Accentrix/ Razumab: Since its
single use made for patient , cost is higher.

Since Razumab is made in India its cost is less than Accentrix.

REMEMBER COSTLY INJECTIONS DOES NOT ENSURE BETTER RESULTS.

The basic difference between
all is the basic molecule and how it is given.

Avastin injection although not
having approval for eye use has been used for many years with excellent
results. Since Avastin injection is not made for single use patients needs to
be grouped/ pooled together . Vial of avastin is then opened and then patients
injected

Accentrix/Lucentis is made for single use so can be taken by patient as per his/her convenience.

Both Avastin and Accentrix are imported whereas
Razumab manufactured in India