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The American Diabetes Association (ADA), an advocacy group for diabetes research and awareness, is a leading resource when it comes to diabetes information.  In a recent article, the ADA outlined some important eye care tips for those suffering from this far-too-common condition.  While some of these tips will be obvious to any diabetes patient—keep blood sugar levels in check, manage high blood pressure, etc.—one tip stood out as particularly important to me.  “See your eye care professional at least once a year for a dilated eye exam,” the ADA article suggests. “Having your regular doctor look at your eyes is not enough.”

So, why are eye exams so important for those living with diabetes?  The answer is simple.  Those with the condition are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness.  These conditions include cataracts and glaucoma.  Read on to learn a bit more about these serious eye conditions and how they’re treated today.

Common Eye Conditions Among Diabetes Patients

Diabetes patients are at higher risk for a host of different ailments, and eye conditions are no exception.  Here are two common and treatable eye conditions that are particularly common among those living with diabetes.

Those with diabetes are at higher risk for:

• Cataracts: A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens.  Ultimately, this affects one’s ability to see clearly.  While cataracts are typically associated with aging, those with diabetes are particularly at risk.  For those who develop this condition, Cataract Surgery is often the best option.  During the procedure, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
• Glaucoma: Essentially, glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged, typically as a result of increased pressure in the eye.  Ultimately, this causes vision loss or even blindness.  Glaucoma Treatment is often achieved through the use of eye drops and medications.  In some cases, we treat the condition with lasers or surgery.  It’s important to remember that when it comes to glaucoma, early detection is key.  This is why those with diabetes need to be even more vigilant.  Make an appointment today.

Don’t Hesitate.  Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Diabetic Eye Care is a must.  We encourage you to contact us today and schedule an Eye Exam.  Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

If you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s, you may think you’re too old to undergo LASIK surgery.  Think again!  WebMD, a leading source in medical news, reports on one study demonstrating the effectiveness of laser eye surgery in older patients.  Citing research from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, the article suggests that “laser surgery corrects vision for patients in [their] 40s, 50s and 60s.”

The study looked at 424 LASIK patients between the ages of 40 and 69.  According to the article, following their surgery, “20/30 vision … was restored in 86% to 100% of eyes corrected for nearsightedness and 80% to 84% of eyes corrected for farsightedness.”  Even those in their 60s?  Yes, WebMD goes on to explain that “Patients in their 60s were just as likely to have good outcomes as those in their 40s and 50s.”

Is LASIK Right for You?

This study brings up an interesting question: Who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery?  While there is no single formula for determining a good LASIK candidate, here are some general guidelines.

A good LASIK candidate:

• …is in good general health.
• …has good eye health and is free of eye conditions such as cataracts, chronic corneal infections or keratoconus.
• …is of a certain age, typically 21 years old.
• …has a cornea of appropriate shape and thickness.

There are several other factors that need to be discussed before choosing laser vision correction.  The only way to do that is to schedule a consultation with a qualified LASIK surgeon.

Considering LASIK?  Learn More Today

To learn more about Laser Eye Surgery, contact us today. Together, we can find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.