Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Greater Tampa
Diabetic Retinopathy
At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we deliver exceptional care for diabetic retinopathy, helping patients protect and preserve their vision. Our board-certified surgeons achieve excellent outcomes while prioritizing cost savings—patients save over $1,000 compared to competitors, with total savings exceeding $20 million.
As a one-stop shop for eye care, we offer only the most effective treatments, avoiding unnecessary procedures to ensure your safety and satisfaction. Using some of the newest technology available—often being among the first in the country to adopt it—we provide advanced, trusted solutions tailored to your needs.
Combined with glowing feedback from patients, our commitment to innovation and quality makes The Eye Clinic of Florida a leader in diabetic retinopathy care.
Board-Certified Diabetic Eye Doctor in Zephyrhills, FL
Save Your Vision: Get a Diabetic Eye Exam Now
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of permanent vision loss under age 60. It’s the result of long-term bad sugar control and is largely preventable. Early exams, treatment, and patient involvement in controlling their own sugar are key to avoiding problems. As someone who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 35 years, Dr. Mahootchi has a personal understanding of the challenges diabetes brings and is dedicated to preventing vision loss for others.
Diabetic retinopathy damages the retina in two main ways:
- Poorly controlled diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. This can lead to DME (diabetic macular edema), which is leakage of fluid into the macula.
- It also causes new blood vessels to grow, break and bleed. This fills the eye with blood and makes it hard to see. This second way is called proliferative retinopathy.
The treatment options for diabetic retinopathy just keep getting better! We now have highly effective ways to manage this condition.
Each treatment is tailored to the patient, helping restore vision and independence. In many cases, combining treatments – like with cancer or infections – leads to even better results. However, once significant retinopathy develops, good sugar control alone isn’t enough to reverse it. The damage to the retina builds up during the years it takes to stabilize sugar levels, similar to how a flooded carpet might dry but still remain ruined. That’s why early medical intervention and long-term sugar control are key.
It’s also crucial to treat the retina before cataract surgery, as we take extra care to protect it during the procedure. Many people wonder if the medicines placed in the eye are uncomfortable – don’t worry! We use advanced numbing techniques to keep you comfortable.
Keep reading to learn about some of the cutting-edge options we offer at The Florida Eye Clinic.
Advanced Laser Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy
Laser therapy is a proven treatment for reducing vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we use cutting-edge laser technology to target damaged blood vessels in the retina, minimizing vision impairment.
Benefits of laser treatment include:
- Reduces vision loss risk by up to 50%
- Helps seal leaking blood vessels to prevent further damage
- Safe, quick, and minimally invasive
When combined with long-term blood sugar control, our laser treatment dramatically improves outcomes, helping patients protect their vision effectively.
Innovative Micropulse Laser Therapy
The Eye Clinic of Florida offers advanced micropulse laser technology—one of only a few in the state of Florida. This unique approach delivers energy in controlled pulses to treat the retina without damaging surrounding tissues.
Key advantages of micropulse laser include:
- Reduces side effects associated with traditional lasers
- Preserves healthy retinal tissue
- Delays or avoids dependence on chronic eye injections
Dr. Mahootchi was the first practitioner in Tampa Bay to utilize this groundbreaking technique, solidifying our reputation as a leader in advanced diabetic retinopathy care.
Effective Medication Options
The Eye Clinic of Florida offers advanced micropulse laser technology—one of only a few in the state of Florida. This unique approach delivers energy in controlled pulses to treat the retina without damaging surrounding tissues.
Key advantages of micropulse laser include:
- Reduces side effects associated with traditional lasers
- Preserves healthy retinal tissue
- Delays or avoids dependence on chronic eye injections
Dr. Mahootchi was the first practitioner in Tampa Bay to utilize this groundbreaking technique, solidifying our reputation as a leader in advanced diabetic retinopathy care.
Effective Medication Options
For patients with diabetic retinopathy, injectable medications offer incredible breakthroughs in managing the condition. At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we provide access to the latest FDA-approved medications, including Eylea, Eylea HD, and Vabysmo.
These medications can help to:
- Reduce swelling in the retina for clearer vision
- Prevent the growth of harmful blood vessels
- Improve overall retinal health
Our expertise ensures treatments are tailored to each patient, maximizing comfort and effectiveness. The Eye Clinic of Florida takes special measures during injections to make the process as smooth and pain-free as possible.
Addressing Other Eye Complications of Diabetes
Diabetics usually get cataracts 10 years earlier than non-diabetics. We are one of the highest-rated cataract practices in the Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas. The treatment not only clears the vision but can get you out of glasses. Tampa patients enjoy many advantages with our cataract surgery
Diabetic neuropathy can affect the cornea (called diabetic keratopathy). Learn more about our options for ketratopathy on our Corneal Disease page.
Cranial nerve palsies that cause double vision are often a common presentation of diabetic neuropathy. The nerves affected are coming straight from the brain and not the spinal cord. Diabetic Third, Fourth and Sixth nerve palsy is another one of our specialties
Finally, some of the diabetic treatments can raise eye pressure. As we are very experienced with glaucoma, we can help you avoid multiple drops or multiple different doctor specialist visits with our Tampa Bay practice.
Through advanced technology, personalized care, and a commitment to using only the most effective treatments, we deliver exceptional results for diabetic retinopathy patients. Trust our team to help protect and enhance your vision
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common symptoms of diabetes in the eyes?
Often patients don’t know. The disease can have no symptoms until almost too late. Think of rolling off a cliff. It doesn’t actually hurt until you fall off. That said, common symptoms of diabetes in the eyes include blurry vision, difficulty focusing, floaters (dark spots or strings in your vision), eye pain, redness, and vision loss. Over time, diabetes can lead to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, or glaucoma. If you notice any changes in your vision, it’s important to see an eye doctor promptly.
What can I expect during a diabetic retinopathy screening?
If you have diabetes, a proper diabetic retinopathy screening can save your vision. Not all eye exams are equal—retail exams often skip dilation, preventing the detection of diabetic swelling, and some insurances wrongly consider these exams sufficient. Don’t risk it; you need a dilated exam with an expert who takes the time to thoroughly assess your eye health. Additionally, managing your diabetes means understanding Hemoglobin A1c, which reflects your long-term sugar control by measuring how much sugar sticks to your red blood cells over several months. It’s a vital indicator, offering more insight than a single blood sugar reading.
Is a diabetic retinopathy exam covered by insurance?
The exam is covered under most insurance. If you are not insured, rest assured that the exam is not expensive. We won’t do unnecessary testing that doesn’t change how your condition is managed. We communicate with your primary care or diabetic specialist.
How can I get started with a diabetic eye exam near me?
It’s easy to get started with Dr. Mahootchi and the team at the Eye Clinic of Florida. Request your first appointment online or give our office a call at (813) 779-3338.