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Diabetes Mellitus: Advanced Proliferative Retinopathy
Fibrovascular proliferative stalkThe whitish-yellow band-like structure studded with blood vessels rises above the retinal surface and obscures the optic disc.This stalk results from untreated retinal neovascularization. Its vessels bleed into the vitreous cavity (dark blotches on the right). Eventually the vitreous will fill up with blood and the retina will detach. Laser photocoagulation is ineffective at this stage. Vitreoretinal surgery may preserve rudimentary vision.
What to do?Refer non-urgently to an ophthalmologist. Treatment is likely to consist of vitrectomy.
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 An interactive teaching and assessment program on vision care
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