Sixty Percent of People with Diabetes Skip Annual Sight-Saving Exams
People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing serious eye diseases, yet most do not have sight-saving, annual eye exams, according to a large study. Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in reiterating the importance of eye exams during the month of November, which is observed as Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month.
Researchers at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia have found that more than half of patients with the disease skip these exams. They also discovered that patients who smoke – and those with less severe diabetes and no eye problems – were most likely to neglect to have these checks.
One in 10 Americans has diabetes, putting them at heightened risk for visual impairment due to the eye disease diabetic retinopathy. The disease also can lead to other blinding ocular complications if not treated in time. Fortunately, having a dilated eye exam yearly or more often can prevent 95 per cent of diabetes-related vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy
It is also known as diabetic eye disease, which is a medical condition in which damage occurs to the retina due to diabetes mellitus. It is a leading cause of blindness. Diabetic retinopathy affects up to 80 per cent of those who have had diabetes for 20 years or more.
Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy
You first may notice diabetic retinopathy (DR) or other eye problems related to diabetes when you have symptoms such as:
Fluctuating vision
Eye floaters and spots
Development of a scotoma or shadow in your field of view
Blurry and/or distorted vision
Corneal abnormalities such as slow healing of wounds due to corneal abrasions
Double vision
Eye pain
Near vision problems unrelated to presbyopia
Prevention of Diabetic Eye Disease
Eye exams are critical as they can reveal hidden signs of disease, enabling timely treatment. This is why the Academy recommends people with diabetes have them annually or more often as recommended by their ophthalmologist, a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care.
People with diabetes need to know that they shouldn't wait until they experience problems to get these exams, Getting your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist can reveal the signs of disease that patients aren’t aware of.
Here is the message of our Lead consultant Professor Dr Zia Ul Mazhry
"Diabetic retinopathy is a scientific term that means damage to the retina caused by leaky vessels of new vessel formation on the retina. Early detection is the key to damage control and devising a treatment plan. Moreover, by managing diabetes, you can reduce the progression of this disease affecting your eyesight. Patients having a high risk of diabetic retinopathy should know that regular examination and followup by a qualified eye specialist is the only way to timely diagnoses of this blinding disease. The sooner the diagnosis is established, the better custom treatment plan can be materialized."
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org. and eyeacuity.com
About Eye Health Education By Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan:
Welcome to the Education Portal of Acuity Eye Centre Lahore Pakistan. We are committed to serving our patients and our community, to the development and propagation of new concepts to preserve and enhance vision. Our three missions—clinical service, education, and research—are closely interrelated. Visit: https://eyeacuity.com/education/
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