Paul Chous, M.A., O.D. Doctor of Optometry
Type 1 diabetic since 1968
Part
1:
In this section, we will consider in some detail the several different
forms of “diabetic eye disease,” building upon the fundamentals
discussed in previous articles and stressing the steps every diabetic
can and should take to reduce the risk of eye complications. Importantly,
many of these risk reduction strategies will have the added benefit
of reducing the risk of all diabetes complications, both microvascular
(eyes, kidneys and nerves) and macrovascular (heart, brain and large
blood vessels).
When thinking about the eye complications of diabetes, most people,
including most health care professionals, think of diabetic retinopathy,
the process through which the eye’s light sensitive retina is
damaged by chronic hyperglycemia. Indeed, diabetic retinopathy is arguably
the most important example of diabetic eye disease, as it accounts for
more than 22,000 cases of legal blindness each year in the United States,
and more than 200,000 cases annually Worldwide. However, diabetic retinopathy,
which has several different forms and stages, is itself only one of
several completely distinct types of “diabetic eye disease.”
Recognition and understanding of each of these particular types will
help health care providers and patients alike to recognize specific
eye and/or vision symptoms related to previously diagnosed diabetes
and, perhaps, to suspect undetected cases of diabetes when a clinical
diagnosis has yet to be made.
There are seven different “diabetic eye diseases”: diabetic
cataract; glaucoma; diabetic keratopathy; diabetic optic neuropathy;
diabetic cranial neuropathy; diabetic retinopathy; and retinal vascular
occlusion. Each affects a different part of the eye, from the nerves
that control eye movement to the nerve that connects the eye to the
brain, from the front surface of the eye to its innermost internal layers.
To better appreciate these various diseases, it will be helpful to conduct
a “crash course” of sorts in ocular (eye) anatomy. To learn
more about these diabetic eye diseases click here http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/Chous/index.shtml
It is extremely important that all diabetics understand a fundamental
distinction between good eyesight and good eye health. The ability to
see clearly (on an eye chart test or in the real world) is not equivalent
to having healthy eyes. Many patients with serious eye disease have
excellent eyesight, and the vast majority of patients who require eyeglasses
or contact lenses to see clearly have healthy eyes. Just as for many
patients with heart disease or cancer, patients with eye disease often
have no symptoms until it is “too late.” Regular, comprehensive
eye examinations by an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist)
are the best way to ensure both good eyesight and good eye health.
(reprinted with the Permission of Dr. Paul Chous)
Lessons
from a Diabetic Eye Doctor: How to Avoid Blindness and Get Great Eye
Care
Book Description
Diabetes affects every part of the eye, not just the retina. Presenting
critical information about seven different kinds of diabetic eye disease
as well as important steps all diabetics must take to preserve vision,
Dr. Chous clearly and comprehensively guides you through the fundamentals
of good diabetes management and great eye care. Written by an eye doctor,
diabetes educator and patient advocate, this book is dedicated to helping
you or someone you love avoid blindness and other complications by taking
charge of your diabetes
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