Mastic is a hamlet located in Suffolk County, on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. It is in the southeast part of the Town of Brookhaven. The Long Island Rail Road built a station here in 1882. "Mastic" is an Indian term used to describe a large body of water. The community name derives from Algonquian for "big stream." It was originally called Forge and the name of the town was changed to Mastic in 1893. On July 15, 1960, the stop was moved 7010 feet west and renamed Mastic-Shirley. In recent time, the area is covered by Zip codes 11950 and 11951, and adds the term "Beach" for the sandy part of the locality that adjoins the Ocean. Mastic Beach is on a peninsula extending into Moriches Bay. Created in 1928, the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association had the foresight to maintain the pristine waterfront for everyone to enjoy. There are marinas, private docks, and several historic sites. There is sailing, swimming, fishing, birding, hiking, camping and shopping. Mastic Beach became its own incorporated village after a vote on Aug 31, 2010.
The Poospatuck Indian Reservation lies entirely within the area which is near in the southern end. It is located on the north side of Poospatuck Creek on the east side of Poospatuck Lane and south of Eleanor Avenue. This is a significant remnant of the Indian tribes that were the first people to live on Long Island. With 271 inhabitants, the Poosepatucks are doing their best to preserve their culture and way of life. In fact, there are festivals which held every summer and autumn to honor ancestors, celebrate traditional dance forms, and to enjoy food made from local produce and ingredients. There are also some rituals, the significance of which deserves deep study. Mastic is not as well-developed compare to other neighboring hamlets. Some people were discouraged to live here but the local government is doing their best to develop and to become Mastic an urbanized place. The community is one of the last frontiers on Long Island for affordable housing.
North Shore Eye Care serves the residents of Mastic with a variety of concerns including Diabetic Retinopathy. According to the National Institute of Health, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) are damaged. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in permanent vision loss. People who suffer from diabetes have high levels of blood sugar. Over time, this condition can affect the circulatory system of the retina and cause damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina. In the earliest stage of the disease, known as background diabetic retinopathy, the weakened arteries begin to leak, forming small, dot-like hemorrhages. These leaking vessels usually lead to swelling of the retina (macular edema) and decreased vision. The next stage is known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. During this stage, decreased blood flow causes the retina to become deprived of oxygen. New blood vessels are formed in an attempt to maintain sufficient oxygen levels in the retina, but these new blood vessels are weak and often break. When these newer, weaker blood vessels break, fluid leaks into the retina's center, causing vision loss that can range from slight to severe. Other serious conditions, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment, can also be a result of diabetic retinopathy.
In most cases, no treatment is needed during the first three stages of diabetic retinopathy (unless you have macular edema). Proliferative retinopathy and macular edema are most commonly treated with laser surgery. During the procedure, the laser shrinks abnormal blood vessels and stops their growth. This laser treatment, which can be done in less than 30 minutes, can improve your vision and prevent further vision loss. Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, floaters and flashes, and sudden loss of vision. In some cases, no symptoms are noticed at all, even when considerable damage has already been done. That is why everyone with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy is essential to protecting your eyesight;don't wait for symptoms.
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