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August 6, 2020
Diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million adults in the United States are living with diabetes. In addition to affecting blood sugar levels, diabetes can have devastating effects on your body, including your eyes. Therefore, it is important for anyone who currently has diabetes or may be at risk of developing diabetes to monitor their body for signs of damage and have regular comprehensive eye exams. Catching vision problems related to diabetes could be the difference going blind or maintaining your vision.
Diabetes is a disease that interrupts the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. While your blood sugar levels rise, the cells in your body are unable to use sugar in the body as energy. When this happens, many automatic processes in the body can be disrupted.
When blood sugar levels are elevated for prolonged periods of time, blood flow can be restricted. This can lead to damaged blood vessels, which can cause heart problems, kidney problems, poor circulation, or even vision loss.
Diabetic eye disease is a blanket term for specific diabetes-related eye diseases. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of many eye conditions.
The eye diseases most commonly associated with diabetes are:
The most important factor in preventing vision loss due to diabetes is early detection. The CDC reports that 90% of vision loss due to diabetes can be prevented — if the condition is treated before irreparable damage occurs. Regular comprehensive eye exams are integral to catching diabetes-related eye disease.
During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can look inside your eye using a variety of diagnostic methods to look for signs of damage that would otherwise go unnoticed.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 1 in 5 people with type 2 diabetes already has a diabetes-related eye disease by the time they are diagnosed. Keeping this in mind, it is important not to put off having an initial comprehensive eye exam and scheduling exams regularly thereafter.
Those with diabetes should follow the instructions of their eye care provider, personalized their individual health condition. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has some general guidelines.
Maintaining near-normal glucose levels and near-normal blood pressure lowers the risk of diabetic eye disease developing and progressing. It is strongly recommended that you make every effort to maintain healthy glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels, serum lipids, and blood pressure.
Dr. Thomas is a primary care optometrist at the Marietta Eye Clinic. In addition to conducting eye exams, she diagnoses ocular diseases and provides ocular surgery co-management.
She earned her doctor of optometry from the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in 2014. She completed externships with Dell Laser Consultant in Austin, Texas; the Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas; and the Malcom Randall VAMC in Gainesville, Florida.
Dr. Thomas is a member of the American Optometric Association, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the Contact Lens Society, and the Sports Vision Association. To learn more about Dr. Thomas, read her full bio here.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. It describes itself as a “global community of 32,000 medical doctors who protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public.” Its website is a great resource to learn more about how to care for your eyes.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) describes itself as the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation’s health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals, and optometry students.
Diabetic Eye Disease
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/diabetic-eye-disease
New CDC report: More than 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0718-diabetes-report.html
Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy
https://www.aao.org/clinical-statement/screening-diabetic-retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy PPP 2019
https://www.aao.org/preferred-practice-pattern/diabetic-retinopathy-ppp
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