How are retinal diseases treated?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Treatment methods for retinal diseases include medication, laser therapy, vitrectomy, photodynamic therapy, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, among others. Individualized treatment plans should be developed based on the type of disease and its stage. If symptoms such as blurred vision, visual distortion, or shadow obscuration occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. For infectious retinal conditions, anti-infective medications are used.
Treatment methods for retinal diseases include medication, laser therapy, vitrectomy, photodynamic therapy, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Individualized treatment plans should be developed based on the type of disease and stage of progression. If symptoms such as blurred vision, visual distortion, or shadowing occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
1. Medication: Anti-infective drugs are used for infectious retinal diseases, anti-inflammatory agents for inflammatory conditions, and vitamin or nutritional supplements for deficiencies. These treatments help control the underlying cause or support recovery through improved nutrition.
2. Laser Therapy: Utilizes thermal effects of laser to seal retinal tears or abnormal blood vessels, or to reduce macular edema. It is suitable for conditions such as retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy, and is characterized by minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery.
3. Vitrectomy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that accesses the interior of the eye to remove vitreous gel causing traction on the retina, repair retinal breaks, or reattach detached retina. It is used for complex cases such as retinal detachment and severe vitreous hemorrhage.
4. Photodynamic Therapy: Involves intravenous injection of a photosensitizing agent followed by activation with a specific wavelength of laser light to destroy abnormal new blood vessels, thereby reducing bleeding and swelling. It is primarily used in treating age-related macular degeneration.
5. Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy: Involves intraocular injection of medication to inhibit abnormal blood vessel formation, reducing macular edema and hemorrhage. This is a key treatment for wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
After treatment, patients should avoid strenuous exercise and eye trauma, maintain stable blood pressure and glucose levels, reduce screen time on electronic devices, undergo regular fundus examinations, and consume a diet rich in lutein and vitamins.
