Diabetic? You Should Have an Ophthalmologist on Your Care Team

Nearly 40 million Americans have diabetes, which means they’re all at risk of developing complications that can seriously affect their health. Most people with diabetes understand the importance of regular checkups with their primary care doctor, but they may not know that regular eye exams are also critically important.

The team at Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts is committed to helping women and men prevent vision complications associated with diabetes, providing diabetic eye exams and state-of-the-art treatments. If you have diabetes, here’s why you need an ophthalmologist in your corner.

Diabetes and your eyes

Diabetes happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is elevated beyond normal levels. In Type 1 diabetes, glucose levels rise because an autoimmune disease destroys the cells that make insulin, a hormone that balances glucose. 

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes is a third type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy.

All types of diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, including those involved in eye health and vision. In fact, diabetes increases the risk of several eye diseases and conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy — collectively known as diabetic eye disease.

Why you need regular ophthalmology care

Many eye problems cause few or even no symptoms in their early stages, which means damage can occur even before you notice any changes to your vision. Having an ophthalmologist on your care team helps detect vision issues early so treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Through regular diabetic eye exams, your ophthalmologist uses a series of evaluations to monitor the health of your eyes and vision over time, adjusting your treatment as needed to reduce the risk of vision loss. Depending on your needs, we may recommend eye drops or oral medications, laser therapy, injections, or state-of-the-art surgical interventions to slow the progression of complications and help maintain your vision.

In addition, our doctors work closely with other members of your care team when needed, ensuring your diabetes management plan is always attuned to your needs. We offer plenty of guidance and education to help you play a more proactive role in your vision care and your overall wellness, too.

Schedule a diabetic eye exam today

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires an ongoing management plan to prevent complications. To learn how diabetic eye exams can be part of that plan, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts in Bellmore and Great Neck, New York, today.