The eyes are the windows from which we view the world. They are also the windows through which optometrists view diseases such as diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness among adults.
“Disease affects every part of the body, and what happens to the body is often exaggerated in the eye,” said Dr. Hai Tong, an optometrist with A to Z Eye Care in Arcata. “The eye is the only place in the body to see nerves and brain and blood vessels without cutting someone open.”
As a result, Tong emphasized the importance of regular eye examinations, which are crucial to early detection of diabetes and other conditions of the retina that lead to vision loss.
The American Diabetes Association has designated November as National Diabetes Month. Approximately 18.2 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and the ADA reports that a third of those diabetics are unaware that they have the disease until they suffer major complications such as diabetic retinopathy.
“Patients often do not present for eye exams until they have experienced a vision problem and symptoms can be difficult to reverse at that point,” said Dr. Loren Azevedo. “Diabetic patients need to be especially vigilant about annual eye examinations as they are in a high-risk group to develop vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy.”
Visit the link above for the rest of the article and some pictures. Which this article reminds me it is time for my 6 month eye exam. Note to self in PDA: Make appointment.
Leave a Reply