Retinal Laser

Laser treatment is a non-invasive way of treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy and some forms of DMO (diabetic macular oedema). In DMO, laser treatment generally reduces leakage and is helpful in stabilising vision. Some forms of DMO however are best treated with intravitreal injections. Laser is very effective in treating more serious proliferative diabetic retinopathy and is typically performed over several sessions.

The Latest Laser Available in Only a Few Centres

I also have access to the very latest advanced yellow laser which can deliver much shorter pulses of laser than is available in most retinal units. This technology is called subthreshold laser and causes less damage to the very delicate macular region of the retina. It is currently only available in only a handful of units nationally.

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Intravitreal Injections

If your DMO affects the very centre of your macula and vision, then often the best treatment option is to administer drugs directly to the back of the eye. Most commonly, drugs known as anti-VEGF agents are effective in stabilising and often improving vision. Occasionally drugs known as steroids are used instead, given either as an injection or as a long-lasting implant (see FAQ what does intravitreal injection involve).

Intravitreal Injections

If your DMO affects the very centre of your macula and vision, then often the best treatment option is to administer drugs directly to the back of the eye. Most commonly, drugs known as anti-VEGF agents are effective in stabilising and often improving vision. Occasionally drugs known as steroids are used instead, given either as an injection or as a long-lasting implant (see FAQ what does intravitreal injection involve).

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available in most hospitals

Surgery for Vitreous Haemorrhage & Advanced Proliferative Retinopathy 

Surgery for Vitreous Haemorrhage & Advanced Proliferative Retinopathy

Vitrectomy

A vitreous haemorrhage is a bleed in the jelly of the eye.  The aim of vitrectomy surgery is to remove the opaque blood in the vitreous cavity and treat the underlying PDR with laser or additional treatments. Vitrectomy surgery is recommended if:

  1. the bleed is slow to clear naturally
  2. is recurrent
  3. if the bleed prevents normal laser treatment
  4. if diabetic retinopathy has progressed to the stage of inducing a vision-threatening retinal detachment

I exclusively use the very latest micro incision keyhole vitrectomy equipment.  As a result of this, the incisions are normally less than 0.5mm, consequently, most operations will not require any sutures.

Additional Procedures

Indented Vitreous Base Shaving

An advanced step designed to remove as much blood as possible and to prevent residual or recurrent bleeding post-operatively. This and the vitrectomy allows me to optimally visualise your retina and determine the full extent of damage caused by your diabetes.

Retinal Laser

Most patients will require additional laser to seal the fragile bleeding blood vessels.

Membrane Peeling

If you have developed a tractional retinal detachment carefully remove the fibrous scar tissue causing the retina to detachment without damaging the delicate underlying retina.  I will also remove and epiretinal membranes, if present.

Cataract Surgery

Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove your cataract during the operation if it is significant.

Air Bubble

At the end of the operation, I will insert either an air bubble, or a special gas bubble in the eye if any retinal tears are detected. If your retinal detachment is complex, then I may decide it is in your best interest to use a silicone oil bubble to reattach your retina.

Advantages of Private Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

“Your surgeon is the biggest factor in the outcome of your treatment”

kam balaggan eye surgery

Diabetic Treatments FAQs

  • I am an experienced full-time NHS Consultant who specialises in complex vitreoretinal and cataract surgery 

  • I am also highly trained in medical retina diseases having undergone almost 2 years of advanced subspecialist medical retina training, in addition to subspecialist vitreoretinal surgical training, all at the World-leading Moorfields Eye Hospital in London (see about me). This dual training permits me to be able to treat all stages of diabetic retinopathy, thereby providing complete continuity of care. These factors make me the ideal choice for looking after your eyes.

  • Vitreoretinal surgery is complex, but vitreoretinal surgery for advanced PDR represents some of the most challenging and delicate of all eye operations. Choosing an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon is therefore highly desirable for your eyes. I have performed approximately 3000 vitreoretinal procedures, and personally perform and supervise approximately 300 retinal operations a year, including the most complex of cases.

  • I am one of the most highly–trained Vitreoretinal Surgeons in the Midlands, having completed 2 years of subspecialist high-volume vitreoretinal training fellowships at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, one of the World’s Top Eye Hospitals. I am the Director of Vitreoretinal Surgery in my current NHS Hospital.

  • I will personally perform your initial and post-operative assessments, and will provide you with all the time you require in order to answer your questions and alleviate any fears and anxieties.

  • I will personally perform your surgery, rather than a trainee surgeon which is not uncommon in non-private settings (in particular in Teaching Hospitals).

  • You will have direct access to me from the outset, thereby circumventing some of the more traditional route requiring you to be seen by an optician and general ophthalmologist prior to being reviewed by a vitreoretinal surgeon.

  • As a private patient you may bypass any local NHS waiting lists for urgent surgery, resulting in accelerated curative treatment. This is particularly important if you have very recently developed a macular-off retinal detachment where surgery could still restore good central vision, but only if performed promptly. Such cases usually receive lower priority compared with macular-on retinal detachments in busy vitreoretinal departments.

  • At all stages of your treatment pathway, you will receive my direct access telephone number. This will negate the need to go via any third party, such as a secretary or the hospital, in order to obtain any routine or urgent advice. I will be available 7 days a week for you in this regard. This is a very important aspect to the service I pride myself in providing, giving you the reassurance and confidence to make your journey through this difficult time as smooth and anxiety-free as possible. 

  • This and all other aspects of the service I provide have resulted in very high satisfaction levels from my former patients, rating my service an average of 4.9/ 5 on Trustpilot.

  • I am an experienced full-time NHS Consultant who specialises in complex vitreoretinal and cataract surgery 

  • I am also highly trained in medical retina diseases having undergone almost 2 years of advanced subspecialist medical retina training, in addition to subspecialist vitreoretinal surgical training, all at the World-leading Moorfields Eye Hospital in London (see about me). This dual training permits me to be able to treat all stages of diabetic retinopathy, thereby providing complete continuity of care. These factors make me the ideal choice for looking after your eyes.

  • Vitreoretinal surgery is complex, but vitreoretinal surgery for advanced PDR represents some of the most challenging and delicate of all eye operations. Choosing an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon is therefore highly desirable for your eyes. I have performed approximately 3000 vitreoretinal procedures, and personally perform and supervise approximately 300 retinal operations a year, including the most complex of cases.

  • I am one of the most highly–trained Vitreoretinal Surgeons in the Midlands, having completed 2 years of subspecialist high-volume vitreoretinal training fellowships at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, one of the World’s Top Eye Hospitals. I am the Director of Vitreoretinal Surgery in my current NHS Hospital.

  • I will personally perform your initial and post-operative assessments, and will provide you with all the time you require in order to answer your questions and alleviate any fears and anxieties.

  • I will personally perform your surgery, rather than a trainee surgeon which is not uncommon in non-private settings (in particular in Teaching Hospitals).

  • You will have direct access to me from the outset, thereby circumventing some of the more traditional route requiring you to be seen by an optician and general ophthalmologist prior to being reviewed by a vitreoretinal surgeon.

  • As a private patient you may bypass any local NHS waiting lists for urgent surgery, resulting in accelerated curative treatment. This is particularly important if you have very recently developed a macular-off retinal detachment where surgery could still restore good central vision, but only if performed promptly. Such cases usually receive lower priority compared with macular-on retinal detachments in busy vitreoretinal departments.

  • At all stages of your treatment pathway, you will receive my direct access telephone number. This will negate the need to go via any third party, such as a secretary or the hospital, in order to obtain any routine or urgent advice. I will be available 7 days a week for you in this regard. This is a very important aspect to the service I pride myself in providing, giving you the reassurance and confidence to make your journey through this difficult time as smooth and anxiety-free as possible. 

  • This and all other aspects of the service I provide have resulted in very high satisfaction levels from my former patients, rating my service an average of 4.9/ 5 on Trustpilot.

kam balaggan eye surgery

Diabetic Treatments FAQs

Let Me Help You to Regain Your Vision