Monthly injections into the eye with antibodies against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are the mainstay of treatment in advanced diabetic eye disease. Angiotensin II increases oxidant production which activates VEGF in the diagram. Optimal medical therapy for diabetes blocks this signaling and reduces progression to laser treatments by half and only one third as many patients become blind.
Having known two people with diabetes who lost vision as a result of the disease, I want to mention that an injection into the eyeball is not as bad as it sounds. I had to have them after cataract surgery for increased intraocular pressure. The eye is numbed before the injection so there is no pain. Please, anyone who needs this treatment, do not avoid it. It will save your vision with minimal discomfort.
Having known two people with diabetes who lost vision as a result of the disease, I want to mention that an injection into the eyeball is not as bad as it sounds. I had to have them after cataract surgery for increased intraocular pressure. The eye is numbed before the injection so there is no pain. Please, anyone who needs this treatment, do not avoid it. It will save your vision with minimal discomfort.