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 .
DR . ALEXANDER CHANG IS NOW IN SIGHT .
SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE FIRST 100 NEW PATIENTS !
Comprehensive eye care . Top-rated surgeons and optometrists . Call ( 412 ) 429-2020 TODAY .
We accept most major insurances .
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 .
Canon-Mac | Fall 2017 | icmags . com 13