What is a primary treatment approach for proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

What is a primary treatment approach for proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

• A. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or anti-VEGF injections; vitrectomy if non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage
• B. Observation only
• C. Intravitreal antibiotics
• D. Corneal transplant

Answer: (A)

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is driven by retinal ischemia that prompts new vessel growth, so the main goal is to suppress that neovascular response. Panretinal photocoagulation uses laser to treat the peripheral retina, reducing oxygen demand and the production of VEGF, which helps regress abnormal vessels and lowers the risk of severe vision loss. Anti-VEGF injections directly block VEGF, quickly reducing neovascularization and edema; they’re especially useful if rapid control is needed or macular edema is present, and can be used alone or alongside laser depending on the case. If a vitreous hemorrhage is not clearing and obscures vision, vitrectomy is performed to remove the blood and allow further treatment to proceed. In contrast, simply observing the eye would not control the active neovascular process, intravitreal antibiotics are for infection, and corneal transplant targets corneal disease, not the retinal pathology described.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is driven by retinal ischemia that prompts new vessel growth, so the main goal is to suppress that neovascular response. Panretinal photocoagulation uses laser to treat the peripheral retina, reducing oxygen demand and the production of VEGF, which helps regress abnormal vessels and lowers the risk of severe vision loss. Anti-VEGF injections directly block VEGF, quickly reducing neovascularization and edema; they’re especially useful if rapid control is needed or macular edema is present, and can be used alone or alongside laser depending on the case. If a vitreous hemorrhage is not clearing and obscures vision, vitrectomy is performed to remove the blood and allow further treatment to proceed. In contrast, simply observing the eye would not control the active neovascular process, intravitreal antibiotics are for infection, and corneal transplant targets corneal disease, not the retinal pathology described.