Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetic Eye Care and Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy in Brooklyn & Woodmere NY
Arnold J. Stein MD provides annual diabetic eye exam screening and treatment for diabetic retinopathy. If you're diabetic please contact us for a consultation and comprehensive diabetic eye exam at Brooklyn or Woodmere offices in New York.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes you should have a yearly comprehensive eye exam to screen for diabetic eye disease.
When your pupil is dilated Dr. Stein uses a scope to view your retina to determine the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Stein will work with your primary care Doctor to create a treatment plan to manage your blood sugar to reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Flourescein Aniography for Diabetic Retinopathy
About Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue in the back of the eye called the retina. There are less than 200,000 cases in the US per year. One risk factor is poorly managed blood sugar.
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms:
Floaters
Distorted Vision and blurriness
Impaired color vision and dark areas of vision
Blindness may occur
What treatment options are available for diabetic Retinopathy?
Self-care and prevention by proper blood sugar (glucose) management, regular exercise, medications and diabetic diet
Vitrectomy to surgically remove the clear jelly-like vitreous gel that fills the inside of your eye
Laser coagulation uses heat from a laser to seal off bleeding blood vessels in the eye
Laser surgery uses a hot focused beam of light to remove damaged tissue and control bleeding in the eye
Medications may include a blood vessel growth inhibitor to prevent growth of abnormal blood vessels
Steroid reduces inflammation and stimulates tissue to repair and new tissue growth
There are two main stages of the diabetic eye disease NPDR and PDR.
Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
This is the early stage of NPDR where tiny blood vessels leak making the retina swells called macula edema. This is the most common reason people with diabetes lose their vision.
Macular Edema and Ischemia
With NPDR blood vessels in the retina can close off called macular ischemia. Blood cannot reach the macular due to tiny particles called exudates which can form in the retina affecting your vision. Your vision may appear blurry with NPDR.
Video Source: "Laser Treatment for Macular Edema," EyeSmart American Academy of Ophthalmology
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
PRD is more advanced stage of the diabetic eye disease where the retina starts neovascularization which is when it grows new blood vessels. These new blood vessels are fragile and often bleed into the vitreous which may cause you to see floaters are may block vision completely. They also can form scar tissue which may cause issues with the macula that can lead to detached retina.
PRD can lead to serious vision problems that can take both your central vision and peripheral.
Vitrectomy Surgery for Diabetic Retinopathy
Schedule A Consultation
Your next step to improved diabetic eye care is a consultation with Dr. Stein. For over 35+ years he has been delivering some of the best diabetic eye care Brooklyn & Woodmere have to offer. Please call our office today to schedule a consultation.