Prevention of Blindness Society...

MACULAR DEGENERATION NETWORK NEWS

DECEMBER 1999

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Marking November as Diabetes Awareness Month, Stephen Pappas, Jr., M.D., informed attendees on Wednesday, November 17^th at Holiday Park Multiservice Center of the latest treatments for diabetic retinopathy. He emphasized that all vision problems related to diabetes are preventable.

Know yourself. Dr. Pappas pointed out that diabetics must pay attention to changes in vision. An annual eye exam is vital, and a diabetic must immediately take care of any eye problems. He noted that you should tackle eyes and diabetes with a team approach. Keep both your primary care physician and your ophthalmologist posted on any changes in vision, and keep up with regular exams.

This combination of physicians will ensure effective screening and timely treatments.

Over 14 million Americans have diabetic mellitus, and more than 8,000 become blind annually. Today too many cases of diabetic retinopathy are detected too late. High blood sugar levels can affect retinal capillaries. The lining of blood vessels become damaged and leak, and over time this leaking will cause the retina to swell resulting in a loss of vision. If leaky blood vessels are not treated, scar tissue forms and sometimes causes the retina to detach.

Laser surgery is the most effective treatment for leaky blood vessels before vision loss occurs. However, some possible side effects of lasers for treatment are loss of night vision, side vision, and slight decrease of central vision.

Good glucose control is essential to managing your diabetes. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, conducted in 1983 to 1993, concluded that controlling glucose is the key to healthy living with diabetes. Patients with intensive glucose control have a 76% reduction in the risk of developing significant retinopathy. Glucose control also decreased the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney problems, and amputation.

Additional ways to control diabetic retinopathy and the threat of vision loss are lowering cholesterol and controlling high blood pressure. Stay informed through patient and professional education programs, like those offered through the Prevention of Blindness Society.

© 2000 Prevention of Blindness Society of the Metropolitan Area, Washington, DC. All Rights Reserved.