Diabetic Retinopathy Care in Bronxville & White Plains, NY
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your retina long before you notice vision changes. At Bronxville Vision Care Inc, our optometrists in Bronxville and White Plains, NY provide dilated diabetic eye exams and digital retinal imaging to detect diabetic retinopathy early and help protect your sight.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar can weaken these vessels, causing them to leak, swell, or close off. In more advanced stages, the eye may grow fragile new blood vessels that bleed easily. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults, and anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
In the early, nonproliferative stage, blood vessels in the retina weaken and may leak small amounts of fluid or blood. Some patients develop diabetic macular edema, swelling in the central retina that blurs vision. In the proliferative stage, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina and can lead to bleeding, scar tissue, and retinal detachment. People with diabetes are also more likely to develop glaucoma and cataracts.
Symptoms to Watch For
Early diabetic retinopathy usually has no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, you may notice:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Spots, floaters, or dark strings in your vision
- Dark or empty areas in your field of view
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors that appear faded
A sudden increase in floaters or a curtain over your vision needs immediate attention. Call us for emergency eye care right away.
Diabetic Eye Exams and Retinal Imaging
The best protection is a yearly dilated eye exam. Through our diabetic eye care service, our optometrists examine the retina and use Optos Digital Retinal Imaging to document blood vessel changes and track them over time. These exams are part of a thorough comprehensive eye exam and also check for macular degeneration and other retinal problems. We can share findings with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to support coordinated diabetes care.
Managing and Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control is the most important step in slowing diabetic retinopathy. Our optometrists monitor your retina closely and refer you to a retina specialist when treatments such as injections or laser therapy are needed. Diabetes can also cause fluctuating vision and dry eye symptoms, so we update your glasses or contact lenses as your vision changes. Our team can also help with insurance and payment questions, since medical insurance often covers diabetic eye exams.
Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs
How often should people with diabetes have an eye exam?
Most people with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year, and more often if retinopathy is present or during pregnancy.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Damage already done cannot always be reversed, but early detection, good blood sugar control, and timely treatment can slow progression and help protect vision.
Does diabetic retinopathy cause symptoms early on?
Usually not. Early diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms, which is why yearly diabetic eye exams are essential.
Is a diabetic eye exam covered by insurance?
Diabetic eye exams are often covered under medical insurance. Call our office or visit our payment options page to verify your coverage.
What is diabetic macular edema?
Diabetic macular edema is swelling in the central retina caused by leaking blood vessels. It can blur central vision and often needs treatment by a retina specialist.
Will you share my results with my doctor?
Yes. We can communicate exam findings with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to help coordinate your diabetes care.
How do I schedule a diabetic retinopathy exam?
Call our Bronxville office at (914) 337-4440 or our White Plains office at (914) 949-8900, or request an appointment online.
Protect Your Vision With Diabetes
Schedule your yearly diabetic eye exam with Bronxville Vision Care Inc. Call our Bronxville office at (914) 337-4440 or our White Plains office at (914) 949-8900.