Diabetic Retinopathy & Vision Loss: What You Need to Know
If you have diabetes, your eyes need just as much attention as your blood sugar levels. Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, can lead to low vision or permanent vision loss if left untreated. At Steven Schoenbart, OD Low Vision, we provide expert care tailored for diabetic patients—so you can preserve your sight and live fully.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. Over time, this damage can cause those vessels to swell, leak, or close off, reducing blood flow and impairing vision. Key Fact: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults in the U.S.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Many people with diabetes don’t notice vision problems until the damage has already begun. That’s why routine eye exams are essential. Diabetic eye complications can include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Spots or floaters
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss
How Diabetic Retinopathy Can Lead to Low Vision
As the disease advances, it can cause low vision—a condition where standard glasses or contact lenses no longer help. You may struggle to read, drive, recognize faces, or work. This can be frustrating and isolating, but early intervention makes a difference. At Steven Schoenbart, OD Low Vision, we work with patients managing low vision from diabetes, offering both medical treatment and visual support tools to help maintain quality of life.
Treatment Options: Modern Solutions for Diabetic Vision Loss
Depending on the stage of the disease, we offer advanced treatment options to stop or slow progression:
Anti-VEGF Injections
Medications injected into the eye help reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments seal or shrink damaged blood vessels to preserve remaining vision.
Vitrectomy Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or blood from the retina.
Low Vision Aids
We offer magnifiers, electronic readers, and other tools to help patients with vision loss remain independent.
Diabetic Eye Exams: Your Best Defense
Routine eye exams are essential for anyone with diabetes—even if your vision seems fine. Our comprehensive diabetic eye exams include:
- Dilated retinal imaging
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Visual acuity and field testing
- Intraocular pressure
check We use advanced diagnostic tools to catch even the earliest signs of disease and collaborate with your primary care physician to support your overall health.
Why Choose Steven Schoenbart, OD Low Vision?
At our practice we’re committed to providing exceptional eye care tailored specifically for diabetic patients. Our compassionate, expert team takes the time to understand your unique needs, offering personalized treatment plans designed to protect and preserve your vision.
Using state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging technology, we detect issues early—often before symptoms appear—so you can stay ahead of complications. Whether you’re managing early signs of diabetic retinopathy or facing vision challenges, you can trust Steven Schoenbart, OD Low Vision to deliver the specialized care and support you deserve.
Book Your Diabetic Eye Exam in Westbury, Southampton or Long Island
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early detection is the key to preserving your vision. If you’re living with diabetes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Steven Schoenbart, OD Low Vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Retinopathy