The short answer
Diabetic retinopathy is treated according to what the eye shows. Swelling at the centre of the retina, called diabetic macular oedema, is now mostly treated with injections of anti-VEGF medicine into the eye. Fragile new blood vessels, called proliferative retinopathy, are often treated with laser to the outer retina, sometimes with injections too. Bleeding that does not clear, or scar tissue pulling on the retina, may need a vitrectomy operation. None of these replaces good sugar and blood pressure control.
Ask about diabetic eye treatmentMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Laser
Pan-retinal laser treats the outer parts of the retina so the eye stops making the signals that drive fragile new vessels. It is done in clinic with numbing drops, often over more than one session. It protects central sight but can reduce side and night vision, which is the trade-off for lowering the risk of serious bleeding and detachment.
Focal laser at the macula was once the main treatment for macular swelling and is still used in some cases.
Injections
Anti-VEGF medicines block a signal that makes vessels leak and grow. They are injected into the eye through the white of the eye with a very fine needle, after numbing drops. They are the usual first treatment for macular oedema that affects central sight, and are also used for new vessels. Treatment often starts with monthly injections and then spaces out, depending on the response. Many people need injections over a long period.
Steroid implants placed in the eye are another option for some people, with a higher chance of raising eye pressure or speeding up cataract.
Vitrectomy
If bleeding inside the eye does not clear, or scar tissue starts pulling the retina away, an operation called vitrectomy removes the gel inside the eye, clears the blood, and allows laser to the retina. It is done in theatre by a retina surgeon.
What you can do
- Keep every injection and laser appointment. Gaps in treatment can let swelling return
- Control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Stop smoking
- Report sudden blurring, new floaters, or a curtain over sight the same day
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
Is laser or injection better?
They do different jobs. For macular swelling, injections are usually first. For new vessels, laser is often used, sometimes with injections. Your eye doctor will explain which your eye needs.
Will treatment restore my sight?
Treatment aims to protect sight and, for macular swelling, may improve it. It cannot promise to restore sight already lost.
How many injections will I need?
It varies widely. Most courses start with several monthly injections, then the gap depends on how the eye responds.
What does treatment cost on Mezo?
It depends on what the examination shows. You get a written quote after the assessment, before any treatment starts.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Diabetic retinopathy: treatment. NHS. Patient information.
- Anti-VEGF treatments. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patient information.
- Ranibizumab for treating diabetic macular oedema. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.