November is “National Diabetes Awareness Month” Protect your vision for tomorrow. Learn the facts today.
By Cheryl L. Dejewski
With diabetes at epidemic levels, you probably know (or are) one of the 30+ million Americans with the disease. Whether or not the cause is due to lifestyle (poor diet, lack of exercise), genetics or both, be aware: Diabetes does more than affect blood sugar levels. Without proper precautions, it can lead to nerve damage; limb amputation; and heart, kidney and eye disease. Blindness is the complication diabetics fear the most. And, if you are black, you have up to a three times greater risk of losing vision to diabetes than a white person.
“We would like to give all members of the black community a chance to protect their vision by educating them about the importance of early detection and treatment,” says Mark Freedman, MD, senior partner at Eye Care Specialists, a leading ophthalmology practice that has served the vision care needs of more than 185,000 Wisconsinites since 1985. To help achieve this goal, their team offers the following information.
How diabetes affect the eyes
“With diabetes, fluctuating and high blood sugar levels can cause the blood vessels that nourish the retina in the back of the eye to become weak or abnormal. This “retinopathy” leads to leakage and bleeding that can blur vision and permanently impair sight.” reports Brett Rhode, MD, Head of Ophthalmology at Aurora Sinai Medical Center and a partner at Eye Care Specialists, an ophthalmology practice that specializes in the care of diabetic patients. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is now the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans.
Diabetic Retinopathy isn’t the only vision risk
In addition to diabetes causing retinal damage, it greatly increases the risk of other eye concerns. Diabetes doubles the likelihood of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens inside the eye that blurs vision and requires surgical removal and implantation with a lens implant to repair. Diabetics are also twice as likely to develop glaucoma, a condition in which increased fluid pressure in the eye causes damage to the optic nerve that leads to permanent loss of side (and eventually all) vision.
No symptoms doesn’t mean you’re safe
Most people don’t notice a problem with their vision until retinopathy is so far advanced that lost sight can’t be restored. That’s why annual dilated eye exams are crucial. Also, call your doctor immediately if you notice vision changes in one or both eyes (not associated with blood sugar fluctuations), numerous floating spots (like spider webs), or a veil over your vision.
Detection = Examination
“Diabetes-related changes in vision can sometimes temporarily affect vision or occur so gradually that people don’t notice or take action. But, even if a person’s vision appears to be good, serious significant damage may be present and progressing. That’s why diabetic eye disease can only be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that includes pupil dilation (enlargement with drops) to best see inside to check the back of the eye for early signs of retinopathy,” explains Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD, an ophthalmologist with credentials from Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
David Scheidt, OD, an optometrist and consultant for the Wisconsin Diabetes Advisory Group’s original guidelines, adds, “Diabetes-related sight loss is often preventable with blood sugar control, yearly exams and early intervention. But all of our expertise, equipment and treatments are of no use if patients don’t come in for regular eye check-ups.”
Are you at risk?
“Diabetic eye disease can appear as early as a year after the onset of diabetes, and up to 45 percent of people with diabetes have some degree of retinopathy (damage to the retina),” says Daniel Ferguson, MD, a partner at Eye Care Specialists, where tens of thousands of diabetic patients receive comprehensive care. “All diabetics—Type 1, Type 2, insulin-dependent or not—are at risk, which increases with the number of years you have diabetes. And, because blacks have up to triple the risk of developing diabetes than whites, the threat of vision loss is correspondingly higher. That’s why we can’t stress enough the sight-saving benefits of annual eye exams.”
Injection treatment can save sight
“When treatment is necessary, we have been very pleased with the success of medications (such as Avastin, Eylea and Lucentis) that can be painlessly injected into the eye to decrease blood vessel leakage and inhibit abnormal new growth—thus staving off progression of diabetic eye disease. We evaluate each patient’s response individually to determine if and when (about every 4-12 weeks) they should receive injections. As a result, we have seen amazing results, including not only stabilization of vision, but in some cases, improvement in sight,” reports ophthalmologist Michael Raciti, MD, a local leader in the fight against diabetic eye disease.
Should you be screened for diabetic eye disease?
Do you have diabetes? Was your last eye exam more than a year ago? If you can answer “Yes” to those two questions, then it’s time to have your vision checked. Keep in mind that appointments are often covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. If these options are not applicable, arrangements can usually be made to accept cash, check, credit card or financing plan payment. “Don’t hesitate. It’s an opportunity to ensure that you see life to the fullest—now and in the future. And, remember, EVERYONE should have their eyes checked every two years after age 40 for other conditions, like glaucoma, that may be causing permanent vision loss without you even noticing it,” advises Freedman.
FREE Booklets & Information
Eye Care Specialists’ doctors are dedicated to providing the highest quality medical, surgical and laser eye care services. They are honored to have all six of their team members named “Top Doctors” by Milwaukee Magazine. They also frequently lecture to the public and fellow physicians and have written their own series of booklets on these conditions. Call 414-321-7035 for FREE copies or to schedule an appointment for a thorough examination at their offices on 6th & Wisconsin Ave., Mayfair Road across from the mall, or 102nd & National Ave. They also offer information at www.eyecarespecialists.net.
