Eye Disease and Diabetes: Screening Saves Sight

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month, but the doctors of Rockland Eye Physicians & Surgeons are dedicated to year round eye vigilance for their diabetic patients. With five leading Rockland ophthalmologists, they specialize in complete family eye care and emphasis the diagnosis and timely treatment of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, pediatric and adult strabismus, amblyopia, and diabetic eye disease.

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The highly-trained New York eye surgeons at Rockland Eye Physicians & Surgeons focus on more than just PRK and LASIK eye surgery. They also provide diligent monitoring of eye health for diabetic patients, with emphasis in the early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. "Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems afflicting diabetes patients," explains Dr. Robert Chen, "Annual, comprehensive eye exams are critical for these patients due to their increased risk for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema."

Diabetic retinopathy creates serious blood vessel changes in the eye, making it the leading cause of blindness in U.S. adults under age 65. Patients with type I and type II diabetes, especially those of Hispanic, African American, and Latin descent, are at risk for a range of vision complications.

What Is Retinopathy?

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is the earliest state of diabetic eye disease during which blood and fluid leak into the center of the eye and begin to obscure vision. As the disease advances, Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) or Proliferative Retinopathy may cause the growth of new, abnormal retinal blood vessels and increased leaking.

"About half of our patients with proliferative retinopathy also experience macular edema," says Dr. Chen, "Vision is further compromised, particularly center vision, as the macula swells."

Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease in NY

Retinopathy vision loss happens gradually, as does vision loss from glaucoma and cataracts. Since patients may notice no symptoms, frequent eye exams are the best defense against progressive damage. Diabetes patients receive expert care from Dr. Chen and his colleagues who utilize the most advanced retinal blood vessel diagnostics.

"We don't want our patients to wait for symptoms," urges Dr. Chen, "We have the tools and expertise to diagnose the early stages of retinopathy. Monitoring is extremely important." Once diagnosed, patients can explore effective treatments such as diabetic retinopathy laser surgery, pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP), and the use of anti-VEGF drugs to prevent further vision loss. Early intervention is key to preventing emergency retinopathy retinal detachment.

Rockland Eye Physicians & Surgeons welcomes diabetes patients throughout Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties, and the New York Metropolitan area. To schedule an appointment at their Bardonia, NY or Garnerville, NY office, visit www.rocklandeye.com or call 845-553-7060.

SOURCE rocklandeye.com

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