American Academy Of Ophthalmology Urges Diabetics To Get Their Eyes Screened To Avoid Complications And Vision Loss Of Diabetic Retinopathy.Early Detection And Treatment Crucial In Preventing Blindness Of Degenerative Disease of the Retina That Affects 5.3 Million Americans No Cost Eye Exams Available SAN FRANCISCO -- With diabetes rates continuing to rise in America, the American Academy of Ophthalmology The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is a medical association of ophthalmologists–medical doctors (MDs) specializing in eye care and surgery). The group is based in San Francisco, California. is calling for screenings for diabetic retinopathy diabetic retinopathy n. Retinal changes occurring in long-term diabetes and characterized by punctate hemorrhages, microaneurysms, and sharply defined waxy exudates. during November's Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness month. The disease affects 5.3 million Americans. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than those who do not have the illness. Loss of vision can often be prevented or reduced if the disease is detected and treated early. The disease, a complication of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes type 2 diabetes n. See diabetes mellitus. , is a degenerative disease of the retina (the area at the back of the eye that makes clear, central vision possible.) Sometimes people learn they are diabetic when an ophthalmologist's exam finds diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar levels have been linked to eye blood vessel abnormalities that result in a range of diabetic retinopathy symptoms. In the early phase, some patients may notice only mild or no changes in their vision. Since damage from the disease often develops slowly, early detection and treatment can make a crucial difference in preserving vision. Careful control of blood sugar may prevent and in some cases even reverse early damage from diabetic retinopathy. Beyond this, ophthalmologists can provide effective treatments for retinopathy retinopathy /ret·i·nop·a·thy/ (ret?i-nop´ah-the) any noninflammatory disease of the retina. circinate retinopathy , including laser photocoagulation photocoagulation /pho·to·co·ag·u·la·tion/ (-ko-ag?u-la´shun) condensation of protein material by the controlled use of an intense beam of light (e.g. for early to moderate stages, and a microsurgery microsurgery or micromanipulation Surgical technique for operating on minute structures, with specialized, tiny precision instruments under observation through a microscope, sometimes equipped with cameras to show the operation on a monitor. called vitrectomy Vitrectomy Definition Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous (transparent gel that fills the eye from the iris to the retina). Purpose when the disease has caused extensive damage to the eye. Injectable and oral medications that act on abnormal blood vessels and could control diabetic retinopathy before vision loss occurs are now in development. Early detection is key to the optimal effectiveness of these approaches. Patients can go to http://www.geteyesmart.org/ to get more information or call 1.800.272.EYES for information on no-cost eye exams. The Academy also recommends a baseline eye exam at age 40 for everyone not at risk for eye disease. |
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