 By Scott E. Bailey O.D.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose
resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both.
Annual Eye Exam for Diabetics is Necessary
Diabetes can lead to serious eye problems including blurred vision,
diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Keeping your blood
sugar at the proper level is a good way to prevent eye complications
from diabetes. And it is a good idea to be proactive in
preserving your eyesight by visiting your eye doctor yearly for a full
examination.
Retinopathy
Retinopathy is a serious eye disease associated with diabetes that robs
many people of their sight. There are two types of retinopathy.
The milder form, called non-proliferative retinopathy, may cause mild
vision disruption. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to a
more serious condition called proliferative retinopathy. In this
condition, new blood vessels are formed in the back of the eye, but
these blood vessels are very thin and fragile; they easily break and
rupture, causing bleeding in the back of the eye. This condition,
if left untreated, can lead to eventual blindness.
Early Cataracts
Additionally, Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing cataracts at
an earlier age than average. A cataract is a cloud that forms in
the lens of the eye, which is located just behind the pupil of the
eye. If the lens becomes cloudy, light can not be properly
focused on the retina, and therefore vision becomes blurry.
Treatments for cataracts include surgery to remove the cataract and
insert an intraocular implant to help refocus light on the
retina.
Glaucoma
Another higher risk factor for people with diabetes is they tend to
develop glaucoma at an earlier age. Glaucoma is a painless
condition caused by a buildup of pressure in the eye that can, over
time, exert damage to the optic nerve. The initial symptoms of
glaucoma are a loss of peripheral vision. Treatment for Glaucoma
in many cases involves the use of special eye drops to lower the
pressure in the eye, otherwise blindness can develop.
Therefore, an annual eye examination for diabetics is highly
recommended. During this exam, drops will be put into the eye to
dilate the pupils. A dilated pupil allows the doctor to better
examine the back of the eye. Any signs of diabetic retinopathy,
cataracts, and glaucoma will be thoroughly investigated, if detected.
Scott E. Bailey is a Doctor of Optometry and has practiced eye care in the Richmond area since 1986.
Scott E. Bailey O.D. PC
11158 Hull Street Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 744-0273
Web: www.scottbaileyoptometrist.com
|
