The most important consideration for the patient is optimal control of his or her blood glucose levels. Diabetics are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, caused by blood vessel abnormalities leading to the closing and leaking of blood vessels. The end result is abnormal blood vessels with subsequent leakage, bleeding, scar formation and retinal detachment. Most important however, is that all these complications can be avoided with timely intervention. Therefore routine eye examinations are suggested.

Diabetic macular oedema is a swelling of the macular area responsible for central fine vision, thereby causing a central hazy area in the patients’ vision as well as metamorphopsia (straight lines appearing wavy or bent). Urgent treatment is necessary in order to prevent permanent visual deterioration. The visual prognosis has been greatly improved with the use of intravitreal injections. Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and steroid medication provide excellent results to restore vision. These injections are administered in the rooms in order to curb cost, in comparison to hospital theater treatments.