INDUSTRY INSIGHT
EYE CARE
SPONSORED CONTENT
HOW DIABETES AFFECTS THE EYES
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes mellitus is a common condition where blood sugar levels are too high. Approximately 9.3 percent of people in the U. S. have diabetes. Nearly one-third of adults in the U. S. have pre-diabetes, a condition that places people at risk for diabetes. Diabetes can lead to damage to kidneys, heart disease, strokes, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes.
HOW DOES DIABETES AFFECT THE EYES?
Elevated sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the sensory layer in the back of the eye. Such damage is called diabetic retinopathy. An early stage of diabetic retinopathy is nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy( NPDR). In NPDR, retinal blood vessels leak, producing intraretinal hemorrhages or exudates. These usually do not affect vision. With further leakage of fluid, however, swelling of the center of the retina( macular edema) may occur and cause a decrease in vision. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy( PDR) is a more worrisome form of retinopathy, and occurs when abnormal
One of Pittsburgh’ s most respected eye surgeons is now in Peters Township at 3380 Washington Road, McMurray. blood vessels grow on the retina or optic nerve. These bleed easily and can lead to a large hemorrhage in the middle of the eye, which can significantly decrease vision. Other serious sequelae of PDR are tractional retinal detachments and glaucoma. These complications are very serious and are difficult to treat once they occur.
WHY IS AN EYE EXAMINATION IMPORTANT?
Because diabetes can cause significant loss of vision and the early stages of diabetic retinopathy may not change one’ s vision, it is very important to detect diabetic retinopathy early. The best way is through a medical eye exam. During this exam, the pupils are dilated so that the retina can be examined fully. Further testing, such as special photos, may be done to help with this evaluation. For people with Type 1 diabetes, a complete eye examination should be done within five years of being diagnosed and then yearly. For people with Type 2 diabetes, an exam should be done soon after diagnosis, and then yearly. Certainly if retinopathy is noted on the exam, treatment may be recommended and you may be seen more frequently.
WHAT CAN I DO TO LOWER MY RISK OF VISION LOSS FROM DIABETES?
Strict blood sugar and blood pressure control, as well as regular visits to your ophthalmologist, are the best ways to significantly lower your risk of vision loss.
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ALEXANDER CHANG, M. D. | ROSE NGAN, M. D. MICHELE SCHRAEDER, OD | KRISTI WEATHERLY, OD
This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Rose Ngan, M. D.
Dr. Ngan earned her bachelor’ s degree at the University of Michigan and her medical degree from the University of Washington Medical School. She completed ophthalmology training at the University of Rochester Medical School. Dr. Ngan has received a number of academic honors and has served as a medical researcher at both University of Washington and University of Michigan. She has been listed as an author of research papers published in prestigious journals such as The American Journal of Ophthalmology and the Journal of Investigative Medicine. Dr. Ngan has also received awards for her professional presentations. In addition, she has been a literacy volunteer and an English teacher in the Global Service Corps.
Dr. Ngan provides medical eye care for patients with glaucoma, diabetes and macular degeneration.
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