North Shore Towers Courier n September 2015 25 People with Diabetes Urged to Have Regular Eye Exams to Prevent Vision Loss Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness among workingage adults. Although regular eye exams are a proven way to prevent vision loss, surveys have shown that less than half of people with diabetes get their eyes checked on a regular basis. “People who have diabetes are advised to have their eyes examined at least once a year, along with controlling their blood sugar level and blood pressure, to prevent vision loss,” says Dr. Mark Fleckner, a Fresh Meadows ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the retina. “We also want to urge family members to make sure their loved ones receive the care they need to keep their eyes healthy.” Pregnant women with diabetes should also have an eye exam in the first trimester, since diabetic eye disease, known as retinopathy, can progress rapidly during pregnancy, according to Dr. Fleckner, who also has an office in Garden City, Long Island. Regular eye exams are important, even if people don’t have symptoms, according to Dr. Fleckner. At first, individuals may not notice any changes and may even have 20/20 vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy usually gets worse and causes vision loss. Protect Your Precious eYesight Have you been putting off an eye exam? Rating by medicare.gov 255 Warner Avenue, Roslyn Heights, New York, 11577 Tel: 516.621.5400 • Fax: 516.621.4879 SUNHARBOR MANOR SPECIALIZES IN CLINICALLY COMPLEX SERVICES Real Rehab...Real Results NEWLY RENOVATED SKYE CENTER • DIALYSIS ONSITE All Meals Prepared by Our Executive Chef • We Accept Most Insurance Plans Dignity, Comfort, Care... The Sunharbor Promise. Unfortunately, many people with diabetes already have advanced eye disease when they finally go for an eye exam. “By the time they notice any visual problems, they’ve already sustained permanent damage,” Dr. Fleckner says. The longer someone has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing retinopathy. After 15 years, almost 80 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes have some form of eye disease, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. But retinopathy can also develop within the first year or two after the onset of diabetes. Anyone who has blurred vision, notices a change in vision in one eye or sees floating spots should make an appointment quickly with an ophthalmologist. During the exam, the physician will dilate the eye, or enlarge the pupil, so he can look inside to check for signs of the disease. Early detection, timely treatment, and follow-up care can reduce the risk of vision loss by 90 percent, according to Dr. Fleckner. More information about diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases is available at www.drmarkfleckner.com. Many eye diseases have no early symptoms, but timely diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent vision loss. If you have diabetes, a family history of eye disease or any change in your vision, early detection is key to saving sight. Our Board-certified ophthalmologists specialize in treating diseases of the retina, such as diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. • Some evening and Saturday hours • Convenient location with ample parking • Most insurance plans accepted Don’t delay. Call today to make an appointment. Mark Fleckner, M.D. Professional Eye Care, With A Personal Touch 61-34 188th Street, Suite 206 520 Franklin Avenue, Suite 123 Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 Garden City, NY 11530 718-454-7700 516-739-5905 www.drmarkfleckner.com
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