How does diabetes affect the eyes?
Diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to control blood sugar levels. High sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body. Early signs of damage are often seen within the microscopic blood vessels of the retina in the eye.

What is diabetic macular edema (DME)?
DME occurs when the damaged blood vessels in the very center of the retina (macula) begin to leak fluid and cause this highly sensitive retinal tissue to swell. This can cause blurry vision and may even lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

“Every diabetic should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam to determine if there is evidence of diabetic eye disease.”

How do you treat DME?
At The Eye Associates, patients are provided with the latest cutting-edge technology and medication treatments, delivered with compassionate understanding of the patient’s feelings. Several treatments are offered for DME including laser, intravitreal injections, surgery, and specialized implants such as Iluvien, a new steroid implant used to treat patients with DME. Dr. Mali is also dedicated to the research and development of new treatments through clinical studies.

What are some recommendations for diabetics?
Every diabetic should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam to determine if there is evidence of diabetic eye disease. Also, close communication with the patient’s primary care doctor and endocrinologist will be needed to ensure that blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are well controlled. This team approach gives patients the best chance to prevent vision loss from diabetes, and continue to enjoy their lives to the fullest.

ABOUT 

Retinal specialist, Dr. Joshua Mali is a leader in his field and on the forefront of new medical/surgical treatments for diabetic eye disease and other retinal conditions. He is presently principle investigator for a wet macular degeneration clinical study at The Eye Associates and is currently enrolling patients for this study.

• Fellowship-trained medical and surgical vitreo-retinal specialist 

• One of the first in the U.S. to use Iluvien, a new implant for diabetic macular edema 


CONTACT 


(941) 923-2020 


2111 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34239 


6002 Pointe West Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34209 


theeyeassociates.com