Diabetic Eye Conditions

Protect Your Vision: Expert Diabetic Eye Care in Palm Beach Gardens

Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults, yet 95% of diabetes-related blindness is preventable with early detection. At Retina and Eye Clinic, we specialize in the advanced screening and treatment of diabetic eye conditions to help you preserve your sight for life.

Why is it important to see an ophthalmologist

Early stages of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME) often have no symptoms. Seeing an ophthalmologist on a regular basis may help you prevent serious complications including blindness

Why Choose Our Doctors?

Our clinic utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, including

OCT imaging, to detect microscopic changes before they affect your vision.
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams: Essential annual screenings for all patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Advanced Treatments: We offer proven therapies, including Anti-VEGF injections, laser treatments, and specialized surgery to slow disease progression.
Personalized Management: Our experts work with you to monitor eye health and coordinate care with your primary physician.Don’t wait for your vision to change. Early intervention is the best defense against permanent damage.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) or Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in DME

Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor.

Diabitis may cause serious eye conditions. Treatment may help slow the progress of diabetic retinopathy. Your exact treatment plan depends on your condition. It may include frequent exams to monitor your condition, laser treatment, and other procedures.

Monitoring Your Vision:
At first, your doctor may simply want to monitor your vision.
In some cases, your ophtalmologiste may perform an angiogram. This test uses a special dye to create detailed images of the retina. These images help your doctor decide whether you need special treatments
Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) testing uses light waves to see if there is fluid leaking into certain parts of the eye. It can also measure the thickness of the retina.

Special treatments can help stop bleeding, slow or stop new vessel growth, and preserve vision. The type of treatment you get depends on your condition:

Laser treatment can help stop leaks and limit abnormal vessel growth.
Surgery can remove the vitreous or repair a retina that is damaged by scar tissue formation. It may help if the vitreous (retina) becomes filled with blood and obscures your vision.
Cryotherapy shrinks blood vessels and repairs the retina.
Medications injected in the eye can help decrease swelling of the retina or slow the abnormal growth of blood vessels.

The 4 Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive disease categorized into two main types:

Mild Non-proliferative Retinopathy (NPDR) What happens: Tiny, balloon-like swellings called microaneurysms form in the retina’s small blood vessels.Symptoms: Usually none. Vision remains clear, but these are early signs of damage.Management: Annual dilated exams and strict blood sugar control to prevent progression.
Moderate Non-proliferative Retinopathy (NPDR)What happens: Blood vessels continue to swell and may begin to leak fluid or blood into the retina. Some vessels become blocked, obstructing blood flow.Symptoms: You may notice occasional blurry vision or difficulty with fine details.Management: Monitoring every 6–8 months.
Severe Non-proliferative Retinopathy (NPDR)What happens: A significant number of blood vessels become blocked, depriving the retina of essential nourishment. The starving retina sends signals to grow new, abnormal vessels.Symptoms: Noticeable blurry vision, dark spots, or patches of vision loss.Management: Frequent specialist visits (every 2–4 months) and potential early laser or injection therapy to prevent the advanced stage.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)What happens: The most advanced stage where fragile new blood vessels grow along the retina and into the vitreous gel. These vessels can leak heavily, and resulting scar tissue may pull the retina away from the back of the eye.Symptoms: Sudden vision loss, significant floaters, or distorted vision.Management: Urgent treatment required—typically including anti-VEGF injections, laser surgery, or a vitrectomy to preserve remaining sight.