Diabetic Retinopathy
Protect your sight from the silent complication of diabetes.
Long-standing diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina. Early detection and treatment can prevent 95% of severe visual loss.
Understanding diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy progresses from mild non-proliferative changes to sight-threatening proliferative disease and diabetic macular oedema. Vision loss is often painless and irreversible — which is why annual dilated screening is essential for every person with diabetes.
How we manage it
Stage-appropriate care: strict systemic control counselling, OCT monitoring, intravitreal anti-VEGF for macular oedema, and pan-retinal laser for proliferative disease.
The stages of diabetic retinopathy
Non-proliferative (NPDR) - mild, moderate, severe. Small vessels leak and micro-aneurysms form. Usually asymptomatic - only OCT and dilated exam can detect it. Proliferative (PDR) - new fragile vessels grow on the retina and optic disc. High risk of vitreous haemorrhage. Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) - fluid accumulation at the fovea. Can occur at any NPDR/PDR stage and is the leading cause of vision loss. The good news: treatment at the right stage prevents 95% of severe vision loss.
Screening - the most important thing every diabetic can do
Every person with diabetes needs an annual dilated retina exam plus a macular OCT from the DAY of diagnosis of diabetes - regardless of sugar control, HbA1c or presence of symptoms. Diabetic retinopathy is completely painless and silent in its early, most-treatable stages. Waiting for symptoms usually means waiting until vision is already lost.
How Dr. Shantanu treats diabetic retinopathy
1. Early NPDR - strict control of sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. 6-monthly reviews. 2. Diabetic Macular Oedema - intra-vitreal anti-VEGF injections (Ranibizumab / Aflibercept / Bevacizumab) on a treat-and-extend protocol. OCT-guided. 3. Severe NPDR / PDR - pan-retinal laser photocoagulation, done in 2-4 sessions. 4. Advanced PDR with vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment - referred for vitrectomy surgery to a partnering vitreo-retinal centre.
Recovery, follow-up and lifestyle
Injections and laser are day-care procedures - you go home within 30 minutes. Avoid heavy lifting for 48 hours. Continue diabetes medications and diet. Recheck OCT at 4-6 weeks after each injection. Never miss a scheduled review - diabetic retinopathy is unforgiving of gaps in care.
Insurance, Ayushman Bharat and cost transparency
Every anti-VEGF injection, laser session and OCT is covered by major insurers, ESIC and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (within applicable package ceilings). Cashless approval is arranged on-site. Written estimates are shared before every injection cycle so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked
Other treatments at Shantanu Netralaya
Micro-incision, stitch-less phacoemulsification with premium intraocular lenses.
Advanced diagnostics and treatment for the delicate back of the eye.
Central vision preservation with modern anti-VEGF therapy.
Timely intervention to salvage sight after a retinal 'stroke'.
A common cause of blurred central vision in young adults.
In-office anti-VEGF and steroid therapy performed daily.
Comprehensive eye care for the whole family.
Confidence and clarity before major eye surgery.