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Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment in Cape Town

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of vision problems that can occur as a complication of diabetes. Without treatment, these conditions can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. At the Eye Laser & Cataract Centre in Cape Town, we specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes‑related eye conditions, helping patients preserve and protect their sight.

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

The most common diabetes‑related eye condition is diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels of the retina:

  • In non‑proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), the retinal blood vessels leak fluid or blood, causing the retina to swell and vision to blur.

  • In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), blood vessels close off completely, depriving the retina of oxygen. This triggers the growth of abnormal new blood vessels (neovascularisation) that can bleed into the vitreous cavity or create scar tissue, pulling the retina away and causing a tractional retinal detachment. Both can result in permanent vision loss if not treated.

Laser Eye Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Laser therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy:

  • In NPDR, laser photocoagulation seals leaking vessels and allows the macula to dry.

  • In PDR, laser therapy targets diseased retinal tissue to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

The main goal of laser eye treatment is to prevent further vision loss. While laser cannot cure diabetes or always restore lost sight, it is highly effective in slowing or halting disease progression.

Injections for Diabetic Eye Disease

Some patients benefit from anti‑VEGF injections such as Avastin or Lucentis. These medications reduce leakage, shrink abnormal blood vessels, and are particularly helpful for diabetic macular oedema.

Fluorescein Angiography and OCT Diagnostics

Before treatment, advanced imaging tests help map retinal damage:

  • Fluorescein angiography involves injecting a special dye and taking photos of the retina as the dye passes through its blood vessels.

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) creates detailed images of the retina, guiding personalised treatment plans.

Diabetic Vitrectomy Surgery

When a vitreous haemorrhage does not clear, or when a retinal detachment occurs, vitrectomy surgery may be performed. In this procedure, the cloudy vitreous gel is removed, the retina may be treated with laser, and in some cases, a gas bubble is inserted to keep the retina in place until it heals.

Vitrectomy may also be combined with laser treatment or anti‑VEGF injections for better outcomes.

Preventing Diabetes‑Related Vision Loss

People living with diabetes should have a comprehensive retinal examination every year, even if no symptoms are present. In addition:

  • Maintain strict blood sugar control

  • Manage blood pressure and cholesterol

  • Avoid smoking

  • Adopt a healthy diet and exercise routine

These steps can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy or slow its progression.

Diabetic Eye Treatment in Cape Town with Dr. Johann Krüger

At the Eye Laser & Cataract Centres in Tygervalley, the V&A Waterfront, and Paarl, Dr. Johann Krüger and his team offer advanced diagnostics and treatment for diabetic eye disease.

  • All major medical aids and hospital plans cover cataract, glaucoma, retina surgery, and most eye procedures under Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs).

  • We are designated service providers for Discovery Health, Fedhealth, Bonitas, Profmed, Genesis, GEMS, KeyHealth, Momentum, Medihelp, Transmed, and others.

Book a Consultation

Protect your vision today. Schedule a consultation and comprehensive ophthalmic assessment with Dr. Johann Krüger at one of our Cape Town eye hospitals.