Winter 2006
DIABETES AND THE EYE
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among Canadians and results from an inability of the body to properly regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. An estimated 1.4 million people are affected and it is estimated that up to one third of individuals with diabetes are unaware they have the disease.
Uncontrolled diabetes can result in damage to small blood vessels found in the kidney, brain and eye. In the eye, the small blood vessels are found in the retina, the light sensitive membrane at the back of the eye. Injury to these vessels can result in sight-threatening damage to the retinal due to fluid leakage, bleeding, scarring and abnormal blood vessel growth.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among Canadians and results from an inability of the body to properly regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. An estimated 1.4 million people are affected and it is estimated that up to one third of individuals with diabetes are unaware they have the disease.
Uncontrolled diabetes can result in damage to small blood vessels found in the kidney, brain and eye. In the eye, the small blood vessels are found in the retina, the light sensitive membrane at the back of the eye. Injury to these vessels can result in sight-threatening damage to the retinal due to fluid leakage, bleeding, scarring and abnormal blood vessel growth.
Eye with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms and early detection is key to maintaining optimal vision. Sometimes retinal changes that are found during routine eye examinations are the first clue that individuals are diabetic.
For individuals diagnosed with diabetes, annual eye examinations are an essential part of monitoring the disease. Yearly eye examinations are covered by OHIP for all diabetics, regardless of age. Regular retinal imaging (photography) provides detailed documentation of retinal changes and can enhance diabetic monitoring and care.
The chance of retinal injury and visual loss is minimized by maintaining proper levels of blood sugar through diet, weight loss, exercise and medications (when necessary). For those individuals with retinopathy, medical procedures may slow the damage caused by blood vessel changes and preserve vision.
DID YOU KNOW?
In an on-line survey by the Canadian Association of Optometrists, 76% of Canadians interviewed rated their ability to see as more important to them than their ability to walk, talk, hear or have natural teeth. Respondents indicated they have annual checkups / servicing of vehicles (82%), general health (75%), furnaces (41%), and computers (37%). Despite this, only 35% of respondents had annual eye examinations. Clearly, we value our sight and the best way to ensure you maintain healthy vision is to have regular checkups with your eye care professional!
Dr. Peterson will be traveling to Jalpatagua, Jutiapa, Guatemala this fall with VOSH International (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) to provide eye care to people of villages in this region of Guatemala. Details of her trip will be featured in our next newsletter and you can find out more about the outreach program at www.vosh.org.
Unused prescription glasses, sunglasses and over the counter reading glasses are always welcome for donation to eye care missions, and can be dropped off at our office anytime.
Dr. Peterson during a Vision Outreach
