Dr. Katia Taba of Personalized Retina Care of Naples said, “The retina is a layer of neural tissue in the back of the eye. Its ten layers of cells contain synaptic interconnections between neurons, and it is responsible for brain communication, image acquiring, circadian rhythm regulation, light detection, and neural plasticity.”
“The importance of the retina to a medical professional and researchers is that it is the only part of the central nervous system that can be directly visualized. Dr. Taba continued, “This is done via an ophthalmoscope and special fundus exam lenses. The information collected during the retinal pathway examination is important for identifying.
“All of us should be getting our regular eye examinations to ensure our eyes are healthy, but the importance of people with diabetes getting their recommended exams is critical. In both type I and type II diabetics, the high blood sugar is highly involved in damaging the delicate blood vessels in the retina. This damage leads to diabetic retinopathy. In diabetic retinopathy, serious complications can cause significant vision loss if left untreated. Sudden vision loss from these complications, such as vitreous hemorrhage, or tractional retinal detachment is extremely threatening issues that can cause blindness.”
To further educate her patients and the community on the importance of diabetic eye disease, exams, and treatment, Dr. Taba wanted to share an article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology highlighted below.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 90% of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented. Early detection is key. People with diabetes should get critical, annual eye exams even before they have signs of vision loss. Studies show that sixty percent of diabetics are not getting the screening diabetic retinopathy exams their doctors recommend.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a term for several eye problems that can all result from diabetes.
Diabetic eye disease includes:
• Diabetic retinopathy,
• Diabetic macular edema,
• Cataract, and
• Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is when blood vessels in the retina swell, leak or close off completely. Abnormal new blood vessels can also grow on the surface of the retina.
People who have diabetes or poor blood sugar control are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. Risk also increases the longer someone has diabetes.
Diabetic macular edema
Macular edema happens when fluid builds up on the retina and causes swelling and blurry vision. Diabetes can cause macular edema. Diabetic macular edema can lead to permanent vision loss.
Diabetes and cataracts
Excess blood sugar from diabetes can causes cataracts. You may need cataract surgery to remove lenses that are clouded by the effects of diabetes. Maintaining good control of your blood sugar helps prevent permanent clouding of the lens and surgery.
Diabetes and glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to your eye’s optic nerve. This damage leads to irreversible loss of vision. Having diabetes doubles your chance of getting glaucoma.
What Other Eye Problems Are Related to Diabetes?
Diabetes can cause vision problems even if you do not have a form of diabetic eye disease.
If your blood sugar levels change quickly, it can affect the shape of your eye’s lens, causing blurry vision. Your vision goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes. Have your blood sugar controlled before getting your eyeglasses prescription checked. This ensures you receive the correct prescription.
Diabetes is a risk factor for several other eye diseases. They include:
• Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)
• Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)
To prevent eye damage from diabetes, maintain good control of your blood sugar. Follow your primary care physician’s diet and exercise plan. If you have not had an eye exam with an ophthalmologist, it is crucial to get one now. Be sure to never skip the follow-up exams that your ophthalmologist recommends.
If you are experiencing any changes in your eye health, whether it is blurry vision, pain, impaired vision, or any other visual irregularities, it is imperative that you see an ophthalmologist right away. The earlier disease or disorders are detected, the better the outcome and treatment options are for you.
Personalized Retina Care of Naples
offers advanced imaging technologies and the most up-to-date treatments in retina and ophthalmology. Dr. Taba is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and is Fellowship trained in surgical and medical retinal diseases.
There are ways to regain your independence and correct low vision. To find out more, or to schedule your appointment, please call Personalized Retina Care of Naples at (239) 325-3970 today. Same day appointments are often available.
Personalized Retina Care of Naples
www.retinanaples.com | 239-325-3970
3467 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 103, Naples 34109
Reference:
D. Turbert, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Diabetic Eye Disease,
San Francisco, CA
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/diabetic-eye-disease