Patients with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina—the back layer of the eye that is sensitive to light. Damage to the retina and vitreous, the gel inside the eye, can lead to impaired vision and blindness. This disorder causes most cases of blindness in Americans aged 25 to 70. And about 85% of people with diabetes will experience some degree of vision loss because of their disease. Ophthalmologists in our section are experts in all aspects of diabetic eye care. They are highly skilled at surgeries to repair and reverse damage caused by diabetic retinopathy. Our physicians also treat disorders of and injuries to the vitreous and the retina, including retinal detachment.

An estimated three million Americans have glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness nationally and worldwide. The disease can strike anyone at any age and often has no symptoms. As a result, many people with glaucoma don’t realize they have it. At Yale, our top priority is to preserve sight. We provide world-class, comprehensive care for glaucoma, including the most severe and difficult-to-treat cases. Our internationally renowned physicians are expert in all aspects of glaucoma, from diagnosis and treatment to surgery. Our glaucoma practice is an early adopter of new technology and techniques. We were the first glaucoma specialists in the area to introduce computerized perimetry—a machine that tests all aspects of sight, including peripheral vision—and cameras that snap 3-D images of the optic nerve. Yale’s ophthalmologists employ a variety of cutting-edge techniques and treatments, including the latest in 3-D X-rays, imaging, and laser surgery.

At Yale, our ophthalmologists offer patients a unique combination of world-class clinical care and cutting-edge research. We provide comprehensive eye care, from routine exams to diagnosis and treatment of the most complex and challenging eye conditions and diseases. Our patients have access to world-renowned subspecialty expertise both within ophthalmology and other areas of medicine.