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Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that only affects diabetics. It occurs when the fragile vascular network that supplies the retina – the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that helps us see – begins to swell or leak. During the beginning stages of the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms, so it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year, if you have diabetes.

Once symptoms of diabetic retinopathy do develop, they can include: dark or black spots in your visual field, or blurry vision, and it increases over time. This is a result of bleeding at the back of the eye, which prevents a clear image from being transmitted from the retina to the brain.

Whether you have type 1, type 2, or even just gestational diabetes, you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. The longer you have had the disease, the greater the risk. It is essential to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent vision loss, and this may require a trip back to your primary care physician.

Treating diabetic retinopathy can include vitrectomy, replacing the inner gel-like substance that supports the eyeball structure, and laser surgery.

Want to learn more? Ask our eye doctors!

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🎄🦃 Holiday Closure Notice 🎉🎅

In the spirit of the festive season, we would like to inform you that our office will be closed on the following dates:

🎅 Christmas: December 15th Wells will be closed all day
December 15th Kittery will close at noon,
December 25th, and 26th
🥳 New Year’s Day: January 1st

During this time, our team will be taking a well-deserved break to celebrate with family and friends. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you with renewed energy in the coming year.

Warm wishes for a joyful holiday season and a brilliant New Year!