Why Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month is Important
Did you know that diabetes could cause eye disease? It’s actually the leading cause of blindness and many don’t experience symptoms. Early detection, timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care are the only ways to prevent vision loss.
“Diabetic patients require special eye care not only to manage their blood sugar, but also to ensure the whole body is cared for,” says Dr. Shofner. Scheduling a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year is a vital part of that care, considering potential eye complications such as cataracts, macular swelling, and optic nerve damage.
What is diabetic eye disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. All forms of diabetic eye disease have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness. Diabetic eye disease can result in the following:
How can diabetic eye disease be detected?
A comprehensive dilated eye exam includes visual acuity testing, Tonometry, pupil dilation and Optical coherence tomography (OCT). These tests allow the doctor to check the retina for:
Shofner Vision Center will provide consistent and mindful care to help diabetic patients keep their vision and treat impairment. Contact your local vision care center professional or if you are in the Nashville area, contact Dr. Shofner at (615) 340-4733.
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