Treatment and Prevention of Retinopathy

A number of drugs are being studied for the prevention of retinopathy. Two that show some promise are epalrestat and tolrestat, which are drugs known as aldose reductase inhibitors. Studies are investigating aspirin, a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole (Persantine), and ticlopidine (Ticlid), but although the drugs appear to reduce the number of ruptured blood vessels, they do not seem to prevent retinopathy from developing.

Once damage to the eye develops, laser photocoagulation and other forms of eye surgery may be needed. Because intense glucose control can cause early worsening of retinopathy, some experts recommend delaying intensive treatment in people at high-risk for retinopathy until the eye problems are surgically treated.

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