Diabetes-related blindness: causes and treatments

In this show Dr. Gracer interviews Michael Cooney, MD, an ophthalmologist specializing in diabetic eye problems and a professor at Duke University Eye Center. Diabetes is the major cause of blindness in people aged 19-70 years of age. Learn how diabetes can cause blindness, what the eye specialist is looking for during this type of eye examination, and what treatments are available to prevent blindness, or slow down the progression of this disabling condition.

After the interview Dr. Gracer explains in more detail how this type of blindness develops and goes over other precautions diabetics should be taking to keep themselves as healthy as possible.

More about Michael J. Cooney: Michael J. Cooney, MD MBA is a board certified vitreoretinal surgeon at the Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York in Manhattan. His clinical practice focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of vitreoretinal diseases, particularly age–related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He is actively involved in the clinical development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for vitreoretinal disease and the training of residents and fellows at Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. Dr. Cooney has authored over 40 publications and book chapters and is an editor for all major ophthalmology journals.

About Richard Gracer

Richard I. Gracer, MD, is the founder of Gracer Behavioral Health Services, an innovative and comprehensive substance abuse program that stresses the reduction of cravings, and has been in medical practice since 1974. He is certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Practice, and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management. He edited Beating the Years, Beating Sports Injuries, and Beating Back Pain (Barron’s, 2003,2005, 2006), and wrote the popular “Ask the Doctor” column in the Lamorinda Sun for 10 years. He is the author of A New Prescription for Addiction.

Dr. Gracer is also the Host of A New Prescription for Health on WomensRadio. A New Prescription for Healthfeatures discussions with noted experts, both researchers and practitioners, on cutting edge, holistic, and comprehensive treatments for pain and addiction. Aimed at the educated person seeking more information, this series provides hard-to-get information and insights, including interviews with actual patients, on treatment of these difficult and pervasive problems.

Email Dr. Richard Gracer by clicking HERE.