Attention Valued Patients:

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented new procedures in order to keep our staff and patients safe:

- All patients and staff are required to wear a mask in our office at all times.
- Staff has been trained on new cleaning procedures involving all frequently touched surfaces. All equipment and eyewear will be sanitized immediately following a single use.

Please be aware that our office is running a bit slower due to our thorough cleaning procedures. We greatly appreciate your patience as well as adherence to our new policies. We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our valued patients and staff. Please call our office with any questions and thank you for being a part of Eye Appeal.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular manifestation of diabetes, a systemic disease, which affects up to 80 percent of all patients who have had diabetes for 10 years or more. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her chances are of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Despite these intimidating statistics, research indicates that at least 90 percent of new cases could be reduced. Education on diabetic eye disease and retinopathy is especially important because it is often preventable or treatable. Unfortunately, this means it can go unnoticed in the early stages. As the disease progresses, permanent vision loss is a real possibility if the patient does not receive treatment.

There are multiple forms of diabetic retinopathy, and only your doctor can determine your particular form. With one form, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In another, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, many do not notice a change to their vision because there are little to no symptoms. If an eye doctor does not catch diabetic retinopathy early, one could sustain mild blurriness at near or far distances, as well as floaters. In severe cases, a sudden loss of vision may occur.

Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy can result in permanent damage that cannot be reversed.  However, if caught in time, prescribed treatments may slow development and prevent vision loss.

Concerned about the onset of diabetic retinopathy? Please call us at 603-474-3781 to schedule a preventative eye examination today with Dr. Derrick Chung.

Learn more about this type of diabetic eye disease by watching our video.