What is the primary treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

The primary treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy is laser photocoagulation. This technique involves the use of laser energy to create small burns on the retina, which helps to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce the overall risk of vision loss. The goal is to prevent the progression of the disease by addressing the abnormal new blood vessel growth that characterizes proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Laser photocoagulation not only reduces the incidence of severe vision loss but also stabilizes the condition, allowing for better long-term outcomes for patients.

While options such as intravitreal corticosteroids, vitrectomy, and anti-VEGF injections may also play roles in managing various retinal conditions, they are not the primary treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Intravitreal corticosteroids can help with macular edema but do not address the proliferative changes directly. Vitrectomy may be necessary in cases where there is significant vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment resulting from the proliferative process, but it is more of a secondary surgical approach. Anti-VEGF injections can be beneficial for diabetic macular edema and some cases of neovascularization, but laser therapy remains the mainstay treatment for the progression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy itself.