Diabetes Health Center
Diabetic Retinopathy - Surgery
Surgical removal of the vitreous gel (vitrectomy) is one of only two effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatment is the other. Vitrectomy does not cure the disease, but it may improve vision in people who have developed bleeding into the vitreous gel (vitreous hemorrhage), retinal detachment, or severe scar tissue formation.
Without either surgery or laser treatment, vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy and its complications may get worse until blindness occurs. So early treatment is vital to slowing vision loss, which can happen quickly.
Unfortunately, by the time some people are diagnosed with retinopathy (especially late-stage retinopathy), it is often too late for vitrectomy or laser treatment to provide much benefit. Even with treatment, vision will continue to decline.
Early detection of retinopathy through yearly eye exams can help you decide to have surgery when it is most effective.
Surgery Choices
- Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous gel.
For more information about laser treatment (photocoagulation), see the Other Treatment section of this topic.
What To Think About
Vitreous surgery (vitrectomy) for diabetic retinopathy is effective in preventing vision loss when a person has bleeding into the vitreous gel (vitreous hemorrhage) or retinal detachment, but it is not a cure.2 This surgery is not usually done unless these complications or severe scar tissue has already developed.
After a person has had most of the vitreous gel removed by vitrectomy, surgery to remove scar tissue or to repair a new retinal detachment may be needed.
Vitrectomy is a more complicated procedure than laser treatment. It may require an overnight hospital stay, but it is sometimes done as outpatient surgery. Laser treatment is almost always an outpatient procedure. Your eye doctor will determine if the surgery can be done with local or general anesthesia.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Diabetic Retinopathy Topics
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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