Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in
Garden City & Fresh Meadows
Specialized retinal evaluations and personalized treatment to help protect the vision of patients living with diabetes.
How Diabetes Can Affect Your Vision
Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels within the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These vessels may swell, leak fluid, close off, or cause abnormal new blood vessels to form.
The condition can affect anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Because early diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms, regular dilated eye examinations are essential for detecting changes before significant vision loss occurs.
Signs and Symptoms
Diabetic retinopathy may progress without warning during its early stages. As the condition advances, symptoms can include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots, floaters, or streaks
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine details
- Impaired color vision
- Dark or empty areas in your sight
- Partial or sudden vision loss
Any sudden change in vision should be evaluated promptly by an eye-care professional.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Mark R. Fleckner and Dr. N. Gila Zilkha use dilated eye examinations and advanced retinal imaging to identify diabetic changes and monitor their progression.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include careful observation, injectable medications, laser treatment, or retinal surgery. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is also an important part of reducing the risk of further vision damage.
Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes
Patients with diabetes should receive a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year, although more frequent visits may be recommended when retinal changes are present. Early detection and timely treatment can help slow progression and protect your remaining vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Early diabetic retinopathy frequently causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why routine dilated eye examinations are important even when your vision appears normal.
Yes. Depending on its severity, treatment may include monitoring, eye injections, laser therapy, or surgery. Treatment cannot always reverse existing damage, but it may help prevent or slow additional vision loss.
Most patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Your retina specialist may recommend more frequent visits based on your condition and risk factors.
Take Steps to Protect Your Vision
If you have diabetes or have noticed changes in your vision, schedule a retinal evaluation at our Garden City or Fresh Meadows office.
