DIABETES
AND THE EYE
The following
explanation of diabetes is for patients being treated for diabetes, patients who
have been or who are presently diabetic suspects and patients who have reported
a close family history of diabetes.
Diabetes is THE
SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF BLINDNESS and may soon top the list. Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the eye. Diabetic eyes are 25 times more likely to develop blindness than
non-diabetic eyes. Diabetes
Mellitus is the most common form of diabetes, causing widespread damage to many
body tissues, including the deterioration of blood vessels nourishing the
sensitive retina at the back of the eye.
The eye has
been referred to as "THE WINDOW OF THE HUMAN BODY." A comprehensive
eye health examination may reveal early warning signs or the suggested presence
of diabetes. Patient history and
symptoms, retinal observations, visual field analysis and prescription
refractive changes are very helpful in detecting the presence of diabetes.
The possibility
of diabetes may be considered in all patients with unexplained retinal
manifestations, cataract, external eye muscle palsy, infection of the optic
nerve or sudden extraordinary changes in prescription refractive error.
Comprehensive
general health examinations and more frequent eye examinations are highly
recommended for patients with or suspected of having diabetes or unstable blood
sugar levels. PLEASE INQUIRE... IF
YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.
For more information on diabetes and the eye follow this link Diabetes and the Eye