Newtown

(215) 860-9001

Richboro

(215) 485-5384

936 Second Street Pike Richboro, PA 18954, USA

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy

At EYECARE for You, many of our patients come to us with a history of diabetes. This is a common chronic health condition that affects more than just your blood sugar and insulin levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs in people with uncontrolled diabetes. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels cause damage to the small blood vessels in the body, especially the blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eyes. The damage causes the blood vessels to leak blood and fluid, which can greatly affect vision. 

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In cases of mild diabetic retinopathy, one may not notice any symptoms. If the condition progresses enough, a person may notice

  • Blurry, distorted vision
  • Fluctuating vision
  • Floaters
  • Dark areas in your vision
  • Progressive vision loss, and even blindness if it continues untreated

How Our Optometrist in Richboro PA Diagnoses and Manages Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed before symptoms develop. Early diagnosis is essential to preserve vision. Therefore, those with diabetes should have annual comprehensive eye exams. Through a dilated eye exam and the use of advanced imaging technology, our optometrists are able to evaluate the health of your retinas. If diabetic retinopathy is detected, our optometrists will work with your primary care physician and/or endocrinologist to initiate appropriate treatment and management. 

In mild cases of diabetic retinopathy, treatment consists of controlling the underlying diabetes. In more severe cases, these treatments may be needed: 

  • Laser treatment - The laser seals off leaky, damaged blood vessels
  • Ocular injections - These injections stop the growth of new abnormal blood vessels
  • Vitrectomy - This procedure removes the vitreous fluid, the jelly-like fluid in the back of the eye. This may be indicated if the vitreous is clouded with blood and scar tissue.

Routine exams help prevent vision loss due to diabetes. The sooner diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated. If you have diabetes and have not had a comprehensive eye exam within the last year, schedule an appointment to be evaluated in either our Richboro or Newtown locations. You can schedule online or by calling (215) 485-5384 (Richboro office) or (215) 860-9001 (Newtown office).

Hours of Operation

Richboro Office

Monday

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday

11:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Richboro Office

Monday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wednesday
11:00 am-7:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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