Protect Your Vision With Advanced
Diabetic Eye Treatment
Enjoy a Brighter, Sharper World With Cali Eye
Personalized Treatment for Diabetic Eye Disease
Treatment for diabetic eye disease is personalized based on the type of diabetes-related eye condition you have, the severity of retinal damage, and whether vision-threatening complications are present. The primary goals of treatment are to preserve vision, prevent further damage to the retina, and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
For many patients, careful monitoring, regular diabetic eye examinations, and maintaining healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are essential for slowing disease progression. If retinal swelling, abnormal blood vessel growth, or other complications develop, additional treatment may be recommended to protect your vision and preserve retinal health.
At Cali Eye Institute, we use advanced diagnostic technology to closely monitor diabetic eye disease and create individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the most appropriate treatment options and recommend ongoing follow-up care to help maintain your vision and overall eye health.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Diabetic Eye
Intravitreal Medication Injections
When diabetic eye disease leads to vision-threatening complications such as diabetic macular edema or abnormal blood vessel growth, medication injections may be recommended.
These medications are carefully administered into the eye during an in-office procedure.
Treatment may help:
- Reduce retinal swelling
- Control abnormal blood vessel growth
- Stabilize vision
- Slow disease progression
- Reduce the risk of further vision loss
Some patients require ongoing treatment and regular monitoring to achieve the best long-term results.
Blood Sugar Management and Vision Preservation
One of the most important parts of diabetic eye disease management begins outside the eye itself.
Patients who maintain good blood sugar control can often reduce the risk of diabetic eye complications and may delay disease progression.
While medical management of diabetes is handled by your primary care physician or endocrinologist, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels remains a critical component of protecting your vision.
Surgical Treatments for Diabetic Eye
Laser Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
Laser therapy remains an important treatment option for many patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Laser treatment may be recommended to:
- Manage abnormal blood vessel growth
- Treat vision-threatening retinal changes
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Help preserve existing vision
Depending on the severity of the disease, some patients may require multiple laser treatments over time.
Your retinal specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment schedule based on your individual condition.
Vitrectomy Surgery for Advanced Disease
In more advanced cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), surgery may be necessary to protect vision and manage retinal complications.
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal vitreous gel from the back of the eye. This treatment helps address complications caused by abnormal blood vessel growth and advanced retinal disease.
Vitrectomy may be recommended when:
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy has advanced significantly
- Abnormal blood vessels threaten vision
- Other treatment options are insufficient
- Serious retinal complications are present
Early intervention often provides the best opportunity to preserve vision and reduce the risk of more severe vision loss.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
Your diabetic eye evaluation begins with a comprehensive examination designed to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease and assess the overall health of your eyes. Using advanced diagnostic technology, your ophthalmologist will carefully examine your retina, identify any vision-threatening changes, and determine whether treatment is needed.
During your visit, we’ll also review your medical history, discuss your diabetes management, and answer any questions you have about your eye health. After your evaluation, we’ll explain the findings, discuss your treatment options if necessary, and create a personalized care plan to help protect your vision.
Your evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive Eye Examination – Evaluates your overall eye health and visual function.
- Dilated Retinal Examination – Allows your ophthalmologist to examine the retina for signs of diabetic damage.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Produces detailed cross-sectional images to detect retinal swelling and other changes.
- Digital Retinal Imaging – Captures high-resolution photographs to document and monitor retinal health over time.
- Medical and Diabetes History Review – Reviews your health history, blood sugar control, medications, and other risk factors.
- Personalized Treatment Discussion – Explains your results and recommends the most appropriate treatment or monitoring plan based on your condition.
A thorough diabetic eye evaluation is one of the most effective ways to detect diabetic eye disease early and preserve your long-term vision.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Early diagnosis and timely treatment play a critical role in protecting vision for people with diabetic eye disease. Detecting retinal changes before they become severe allows treatment to begin sooner, helping preserve eyesight and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Preserves Vision
Early treatment helps protect healthy retinal tissue and maintain your existing vision.
Slows Disease Progression
Timely intervention can slow the progression of diabetic eye disease and prevent further damage.
Reduces Retinal Swelling
Treatment can decrease swelling in the retina, improving comfort and visual function.
Controls Abnormal Blood Vessels
Managing abnormal blood vessel growth helps reduce the risk of bleeding and other complications.
Lowers the Risk of Vision Loss
Prompt treatment decreases the likelihood of severe visual impairment and permanent blindness.
Supports Long-Term Eye Health
Regular monitoring and early care help maintain retinal health and protect your vision for years to come.
Serving Torrance, Lancaster & Ventura
Cali Eye Institute is proud to offer advanced cataract care across multiple locations in Southern California, making it easier for patients to access expert treatment close to home.
- Torrance – Cali Eye Institute
- Lancaster – Lancaster Eye Institute
- Ventura – Anacapa Vision
Across all locations, our experienced ophthalmologists use the latest technology, including laser-assisted techniques, to provide precise, personalized care. We focus on understanding your unique vision needs and guiding you through every step of the process to help achieve the best possible outcome.
Meet Dr. Babak Shabatian – Diabetic Eye Disease Specialist
Dr. Babak Shabatian is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Cali Eye Institute, providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for diabetic eye disease in Torrance, Lancaster, Ventura, and surrounding Southern California communities. He is dedicated to helping patients with diabetes protect their vision through early detection, advanced retinal imaging, and personalized treatment plans.
Diabetic eye disease can progress without noticeable symptoms, making routine eye examinations essential. Dr. Shabatian uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to identify retinal changes early and recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether that involves careful monitoring, intravitreal medication injections, laser therapy, or referral for advanced retinal care when needed.
Dr. Shabatian earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, completed his ophthalmology residency in New York where he served as Chief Resident, and went on to complete fellowship training in retinal diseases. His advanced retinal training provides him with extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing diabetes-related eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.
Known for his compassionate approach and clear communication, Dr. Shabatian takes the time to educate patients about their condition, explain every treatment option, and work closely with them to preserve their long-term vision. Through Cali Eye Institute and its affiliated locations, Lancaster Eye Institute in Lancaster and Anacapa Vision in Ventura, he provides advanced diabetic eye care with a focus on early intervention, personalized treatment, and lifelong retinal health.
Office Information
Cali Eye Institute, Torrance, CA
19000 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90503
Tel: 310-909-8880
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Lancaster Eye Institute, Lancaster, CA
1739 W Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
Tel: (661) 940-0555
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Anacapa Vision, Ventura, CA
1280 S. Victoria Ave., Ste. 160
Ventura, CA 93003-6504
Tel: (805) 658-3937
Office Hours
Mondays and Fridays: 8am-3pm
Tuesdays - Thursday: 8am-4pm
Why Choose Cali Eye for Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment
Advanced Retinal Imaging Technology
We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to identify retinal changes early and monitor treatment progress accurately.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
From medication injections and laser therapy to advanced surgical care, we offer a full range of diabetic eye disease treatments.
Personalized Care Plans
Every patient receives an individualized treatment strategy based on their retinal findings and overall health.
Experienced Retinal Specialists
Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and managing diabetic retinopathy and its complications.
Convenient Locations
With offices in Torrance, Lancaster, and Ventura, accessing expert laser cataract care is simple and convenient.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Diabetic eye disease requires long-term management. We provide continuous monitoring and follow-up care to help protect your vision for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetic eye disease be treated?
While diabetic eye disease cannot always be reversed, modern treatments can often slow progression, manage complications, and help preserve vision.
What are intravitreal injections?
These are medications administered directly into the eye to treat complications such as retinal swelling and abnormal blood vessel growth.
Is laser treatment painful?
Most patients tolerate laser treatment well. Your doctor will discuss what to expect before the procedure.
What is a vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal vitreous gel from the back of the eye to manage advanced diabetic retinal disease.
How often will I need treatment?
Treatment schedules vary depending on disease severity, response to therapy, and the presence of retinal complications.
Why are regular diabetic eye exams important?
Many diabetic retinal changes occur before noticeable vision loss develops. Regular examinations allow early detection and timely treatment when needed.