crystalcleareyeclinic@gmail.com
By Dr. Jignesh Gala — Retina Specialist, Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Andheri West
Why this matters for Mumbai
Diabetes is common in India, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication that can cause irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated early. Regular retinal screening and timely treatment prevent most severe vision loss from diabetes — especially important for busy Mumbai families and working adults. (Mayo Clinic, National Eye Institute)
What is diabetic retinopathy? (simple, clinical explanation)
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina — the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. High blood sugar over time causes vessel leakage, swelling (macular edema), and in advanced stages abnormal new vessels that can bleed or lead to retinal detachment. Early stages may have no symptoms, which is why routine screening is crucial. (Mayo Clinic, AAO)
Common symptoms to watch for
- Floaters (spots or dark strings)
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in vision
- Sudden vision loss (an emergency)
Because early DR can be asymptomatic, people with diabetes should still have regular dilated retinal exams even when vision seems fine. (Mayo Clinic, National Eye Institute)
Who’s at higher risk?
Risk increases with:
- Duration of diabetes (longer = higher risk)
- Poor blood sugar (A1C) control
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Pregnancy and tobacco use
Managing systemic health (glucose, BP, lipids, quitting smoking) reduces risk and improves outcomes. (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic)
How diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed
- Dilated retinal exam (gold standard)
- Fundus photography / OCT (optical coherence tomography) to detect macular edema and subtle changes
- Fluorescein angiography in select cases to map leaking vessels
Guidelines recommend regular retinal screening — timing depends on type of diabetes and clinical findings. (AAO, National Eye Institute)
Treatments that save sight (what you should know)
- Strict diabetes and blood pressure control — foundational to prevention. (Mayo Clinic)
- Anti-VEGF injections into the eye for diabetic macular edema and some proliferative disease — often vision-restoring or stabilizing. (Cleveland Clinic)
- Focal/grid or panretinal laser photocoagulation to seal leaking vessels or to reduce risk of severe bleeding from new vessels. (Cleveland Clinic)
- Vitrectomy / retinal surgery — for persistent vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, or advanced disease; performed by vitreoretinal surgeons. (Cleveland Clinic)
Early treatment leads to the best outcomes — that’s why timely referral to a retina specialist matters. (Cleveland Clinic)
Why choose Dr. Jignesh Gala for diabetic eye care in Mumbai?
Dr. Jignesh Gala is a vitreoretinal specialist based at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Andheri West, Mumbai. His training and experience include comprehensive ophthalmology and dedicated retinal fellowships; he manages complex and vision-threatening diabetic eye disease with lasers, intravitreal treatments and vitreoretinal surgery when needed. Patients come to Dr. Gala for advanced medical retina care and surgery that aims to preserve and restore vision. (crystalcleareye.in, Dr. Jignesh Gala Eye Clinic)
Credentials & training highlights (sourced from clinic/professional profile):
- MBBS (Grant Medical College & Sir J J Group of Hospitals)
- DOMS / Residency in Ophthalmology (Seth G S Medical College & KEM)
- Fellowships in vitreoretinal surgery and medical retina (including LV Prasad Eye Institute training cited on profile)
- International fellowships / FRCS / MRCS and additional retina training listed on his professional pages. (crystalcleareye.in)
(Exact credential list and training details are published on his professional/clinic pages — see citations above.)
Crystal Clear Eye Clinic — What to expect
- Retina-focused diagnostics: OCT, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography. (crystalcleareye.in)
- In-office anti-VEGF injections and laser therapy for macular edema and proliferative disease. (Dr. Jignesh Gala Eye Clinic)
- Surgical retina services (vitrectomy) for advanced / hemorrhagic cases to save vision. (Dr. Jignesh Gala Eye Clinic)
- Convenient location in Andheri West (clinic profile and contact listed online). (Dr. Jignesh Gala Eye Clinic)
Practical advice for patients in Mumbai
- If you have diabetes: get a comprehensive dilated retinal exam at least once a year (or more often if your retina specialist recommends). (AAO)
- Maintain A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol targets set by your physician — these directly reduce your risk of progression. (Mayo Clinic)
- Report sudden vision changes immediately to an eye doctor — bleeding or retinal detachment need urgent care. (Mayo Clinic)
- Bring your diabetes records (recent A1C, BP readings, medications) to your eye appointment — they help tailor treatment.
Quick FAQ (for patients / SEO snippets)
Q: How often should I get my eyes checked if I have diabetes?
A: Generally once a year, but your retina specialist may recommend more frequent checks based on disease severity. (AAO)
Q: Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
A: Yes — treatments like anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and surgery can prevent or reduce vision loss when applied at the right time. Controlling diabetes remains essential. (Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic)
Q: Do injections hurt?
A: Injections are quick, performed under surface anesthesia, and discomfort is usually minimal; they are highly effective for macular swelling. (Cleveland Clinic)
Book an appointment / Contact (local CTA)
For Mumbai patients seeking expert diabetic eye care, Dr. Jignesh Gala sees patients at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic — Andheri West. Clinic pages and profiles list address, timings and booking details. Call or WhatsApp the clinic or use the online booking on his site to schedule a retinal screening if you have diabetes or visual symptoms. (Dr. Jignesh Gala Eye Clinic, crystalcleareye.in)
📅 Book Your Consultation Today!
📍 Clinic Address:
B125, Laram Centre, Ground Floor
Behind Sunil Jewellers, S.V. Road
Andheri West Station, Mumbai
Find us on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/enKhqMoWERDZsyTW9
📞 Call to schedule: 7718885245
👩💼 Appointment Coordinator: Mrs. Vrushali Chande
🌐 Visit us online:
🔗 Crystal Clear Eye Hospital
🔗 Dr. Jignesh Gala’s Official Site
▶ Watch our patient stories and procedures:
📺 YouTube Channel – Dr. Jignesh Gala
