Diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease encompasses a range of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. These conditions can lead to significant vision loss if not treated promptly. Our treatment options for diabetic eye disease include:

Diabetic Macular Oedema:

Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections of Vabysmo (Faricimab)
Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections of Eylea (Aflibercept)
Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections of Lucentis (Ranibizumab)
Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections of Avastin (Bevacizumab)
Intravitreal Fluocinolone implant (Iluvien 190mcg)
Focal or grid macular laser treatment

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic eye disease treatment aims to prevent vision loss, reduce retinal swelling, and control disease progression. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preserving vision and preventing complications.

Diabetic Macular oedema is treated with anti-VEGF injections, which help reduce fluid leakage and swelling in the retina. Medications such as Vabysmo, Eylea, Lucentis, and Avastin inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth and increases vascular permeability. Intravitreal steroid implants such as Dexamethasone implants (Ozurdex) and Fluocinolone implants (Iluvien) provide a sustained release of corticosteroids directly into the eye, offering long-term control of inflammation. Focal or grid macular laser treatment is also used to target specific areas of the retina to reduce oedema and stabilise vision.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy involves the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the retina, which can lead to severe vision loss. Pan-retinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) is a standard treatment that creates laser burns in the peripheral retina, reducing the growth of abnormal blood vessels and preserving central vision. Anti-VEGF injections of Avastin are also used to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce the risk of bleeding and vision loss.

What our patients say

In October 2001, I had an eye injury while living in Australia. The injury was a blunt trauma and since that time I’ve obviously seen many eye specialists in Australia and also in the United States & Canada when I had my first case of Herpes Simplex in that same eye. I came into your hospital and was seen by you on Thursday 25th of January for a check which was my first since October 2005, in Sydney, Australia. I would really like to thank you for your excellent professional service. You are well aware how important a condition like mine is to me and I really want to thank you for your patience and professional support you delivered to me. As it was over a few months since my last check up, I was a bit apprehensive & then a little disappointed I could not remember some of the technical jargon surrounding my eye parts and my condition. I am very thankful to you for taking the time to honestly answer my many (many) questions and help me understand my condition and future options. As I’ve mentioned previously I have seen countless specialist over the past 5 years. I really believe you are an asset to your hospital and profession. I cannot believe how busy you were that day, yet so proficient. Thank you again for your help and fantastic personal touch.

Russell K.

For Ms Ranjit Sandhu I was recently diagnosed with cataracts which necessitated surgery. Fortunately I contacted The consultancy practice of Ms Sandhu. I spoke with her practice secretary Phillips Bailey who subsequently coordinated my whole journey brilliantly, with care and attention to detail which made my experience seamless. From the very first time I met Ms Sandu I knew I was in the hands of a total professional from the pre operation consultantancy to the actual surgery and post surgery follow up. Ms Sandhu put me at ease, explained the procedure and expected outcomes very clearly. During the surgery Miss Sandhu really did reassure me during the whole procedure, this helped me to remain relaxed. The cataract surgery was a complete success and cannot thank Miss Sandhu enough for her amazing care and attention. I certainly highly recommend Ms Sandhu as an outstanding eye consultant for cataract procedures. Thank you. David R MEAGER Studham A very happy patient of Ms Sandhu.

Philippa B.

I am 73 years old and have worn glasses for over 25 years. I became increasingly frustrated with my glasses misting over especially when entering a shop with a warmer temperature whilst wearing my mask. My optician had informed me that I had mild to medium cataracts and I had become increasingly aware of glare from oncoming headlights when driving at night. A friend recommended Ms Ranjit Sandhu. During the consultation which I arranged Ms Ranjit Sandhu fully explained the risks and the benefits of cataract surgery and how the procedure would be conducted. I was impressed with Ms Sandhu’s explanation, her honesty and ability to fully answer my questions which provided trust and confidence. It was mutually agreed that I would have both eye procedures undertaken at the same time and that I would have multifocal lens implants. On the day of my hospital appointment I was naturally a little nervous. Ms Sandhu and her team of nurses were extremely reassuring throughout my time in the operating theatre. Ms Sandhu gently explained each step that she was about to perform which encouraged and reassured me.

Duncan C.

In August 2023, and September 2023, I had cataracts removed from Left and Right eyes. I am truly grateful to Ms Ranjit Sandhu: due to her skill and expertise – I can see so much better. Her skill and care is phenomenal and the result is amazing. I am also very grateful to Denise for organising all my appointments and making sure that everything was running smoothly – Thank you Denise. I was nervous about the procedure but I was made to feel welcome at Spire Hospital Harpenden by a professional team of nurses. Ms Ranjit Sandhu completed both operations for my cataracts and I could not recommend her more highly.

Christina Z.

Gong through each stage of Cataract Surgeries for both eyes separated by two and a half weeks, I explain my experiences below. More time was needed to understand the different types of lenses available to me at my first consultation with Ms Sandhu as it all seemed a foreign language to me. So was then trying to understand the pros and cons of different types via emails with Ms Sandhu over the Christmas period. I also found it hard to find out the extra cost of lenses that are not the insurance covered standard lens. A table providing this information or guide lines would have been most helpful. My experience at both operations was excellent both with Ms Sandhu and the hospital and supporting staff. They were most efficient and caring experiences. I was grateful at both of the surgeries where Ms Sandhu was able to provide an anaesthetist although I had not requested an anaesthetic when arranging the surgeries. Having the anaesthetic took away my anxiety as to whether I could keep my eye from blinking or move in any other way and this was a great help to me. Ms Sandhu and her secretary were very quick in their responses to all my queries and concerns which was particularly helpful after the surgeries showing understanding of my worries and my keenness to get to new glasses.

Cruise E.

I consulted Ms Ranjit Sandhu. MBBS MRCOphth MD FRXOphth Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Ms Sandhu) with regard to a cataract on my left eye. I have Macular (AMD) in both eyes and the NHS consultant at the hospital had told me it would be a complete waste of time to have the cataract removed. Within five minutes of meeting Ms Sandhu, I decided that if she agreed to perform the procedure, I would have no hesitation in saying YES! The operation to remove the cataract on the left eye was a success and the additional light in the eye, although it will not improve the vision, has made a great difference. Miss Sandhu is a confident and skilful Ophthalmic surgeon who is very experienced in a range of Ophthalmic operations. I believe Ms Sandhu is ready to meet the challenges that future developments in eye procedures will bring to the world of Ophthalmology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enabling a library of eye scans to be amassed in the UK to improve early detection and treatment of eye disease. Stem cell implant research has resulted in the USA implanting stem cells in patients with Dry Macular disease. Current and future research and treatment of eye disease will mean the UK will need Ophthalmic surgeons of Ms Sandhu’s calibre to perform these pioneering operations.

Jill W.

Book an appointment

Booking an appointment with Ms Ranjit Sandhu is the first step towards managing diabetic eye disease and protecting your vision. We offer convenient and flexible appointment scheduling to accommodate your needs.

What is diabetic eye disease?

Diabetic eye disease includes a range of conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema, that affect people with diabetes, leading to vision impairment and blindness if untreated.

How do I know if I need treatment for diabetic eye disease?

Symptoms of diabetic eye disease include blurry vision, dark spots or floaters, difficulty seeing at night, and vision loss. Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection and timely treatment.

What are the benefits of anti-VEGF injections for diabetic eye disease?

Anti-VEGF injections help reduce retinal swelling, inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels, and improve vision. These treatments are essential in managing diabetic macular oedema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

What is the recovery time for diabetic eye disease treatment?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment used. Anti-VEGF injections often require ongoing treatments, while laser treatments may have a shorter recovery period. Your ophthalmologist will provide detailed care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Further information can be found from:

Gov.UK: Guide to diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes UK: Retinopathy

Our Price List

Full panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) x 3 sessions	£1200
Fill-in panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) x 1 session	£450
Avastin eye injection	£750
Lucentis eye injection	£1,700
Eylea eye injection	£1,800
Vabysmo eye injection	£1,950
Ozurdex eye injection	£2,800
Iluvien eye injection x 1 (lasts 36 months)	£8,500

Ms Ranjit Sandhu