Diseases of the retina such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are leading causes of blindness in the United States. While these diseases are serious concerns, they are preventable if detected early enough. This is why we recommend scheduling regular vision screenings with ophthalmology professionals. At The Center for Eye Care and Optical, we have been providing residents of West Islip, NY with reliable eye care services for many years. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.

Vision Screenings for Retinal Diseases

Modern retina screenings do not hurt. They usually require dilating your eyes, but the effect of the drops wears off quickly. Retina cameras can store images of your eyes so our ophthalmologist can compare changes between images to diagnose retina disease as early as possible.

Importance of Regular Exams

Everyone needs a retina exam at least once a year. You don't need to make a special appointment to get one as it will be completed as a part of your annual checkup. However, there are some patients we recommend be screened for retinal disease more than once per year:

• If you have diabetes, you need a regular eye exam. A condition called diabetic retinopathy can lead to sudden blindness if it is not treated. Laser surgery and other interventions preserve your eyesight once diabetic retinopathy has begun, but controlling your blood sugars can delay the disease for many years or stop it altogether. People who have had diabetes for just a year can begin experiencing changes in retinal health. After having diabetes for twenty years, retinal issues are all but certain.
• Anyone who has glaucoma needs to schedule regular retinal screenings. High eye pressure can damage the optic nerve without causing pain. If you have a family history of glaucoma, we recommend two eye exams per year.
• Macular degeneration progresses undetected for years until sight is eventually gone. Our eye doctor will detect the problem and determine the best methods through which to manage it.

Schedule an Eye Exam with Our Ophthalmology Professionals in West Islip, NY

Diseases of the retina can easily lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early. Establishing care with the ophthalmology professionals at The Center for Eye Care and Optical and coming in for all of your follow-up appointments can make all the difference when it comes to preserving your vision. Call us today at (631) 422-1110.