Diabetic Retinopathy

An estimated eight million Americans live with diabetic retinopathy and are at risk for vision loss. At VistaSite Vision Center, experienced optometrist Tatsiana Palavets, OD, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Customized management plans are available to preserve your eyesight and prevent complications like scar tissue from forming on your retina. If you need surgery, referrals to surgical specialists are available. Call the office in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, or book an appointment online today.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people with uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive tissues in the back of your eye.

Blood vessels can leak blood into the fluid that fills your eye and cause streaks and floating spots that interfere with your vision. Blood vessel damage can also lead to scars that contribute to vision loss and permanent blindness.

VistaSite Vision Center offers diagnostic testing and treatment services for early-stage and advanced-stage diabetic neuropathy.

When should I seek treatment for diabetic neuropathy?

In the early stages of diabetic neuropathy, you may not experience any noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may have difficulty with up-close reading or clearly seeing objects at a distance.

To prevent vision loss, you should schedule routine eye exams at VistaSite Vision Center even if you do not have any symptoms. Eye exams are especially important as you get older and if you have diabetes and other chronic health conditions.

The providers offer comprehensive dilated eye exams to get a closer look at the structures in the back of your eye. They determine what treatments you need to preserve your vision.

How is diabetic neuropathy treated?

In the early stages of diabetic neuropathy, you may not need treatment. However, you can expect to need dilated eye exams every two to four months, so the optometrist can track changes in your eye health.

You also need to visit with your family doctor to get your diabetes under control. You may need to make diet and lifestyle changes, exercise regularly, and take medications to regulate your blood sugar levels.

In the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, your provider may inject medications into your eyes to slow down the progression of your disease. Laser treatments can also address retinal swelling and stop blood vessels from leaking.

If you need surgery to remove scar tissue from your retina, VistaSite Vision Center can refer you to a specialist. The practice also provides complete after-care services to ensure you heal fully from surgery.

Call VistaSite Vision Center to schedule a consultation for diabetic retinopathy or book an appointment online today.