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Showing posts with the label diabetic eye exams

Do You Know What to Ask Before Your Glaucoma Consultation?

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  You just found out you might have glaucoma. Or maybe you’ve been managing it for a while, and now your doctor says it’s time to consider surgery. Either way, one big question pops into your head: “What do I do now?” Here’s the truth: Most people don’t know what questions to ask during their first glaucoma appointment. That’s normal — but it’s also risky. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It often develops slowly, with no warning signs, until vision loss is permanent. That’s why your first consultation with a glaucoma specialist is critical. It’s your chance to fully understand your condition, catch any red flags early, and get a personalized plan that protects your sight. So if you're seeing an eye doctor or glaucoma specialist, especially to discuss glaucoma surgery or laser treatment, you need to come prepared. This guide will help you do exactly that. We’ll cover 10 essential questions you should ask during your consultation — and explain why each...

Diabetes and Eye Health: How Regular Eye Tests Can Save Your Sight

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  Have you ever considered how diabetes could affect your vision? Diabetes doesn’t just impact your blood sugar—it’s also one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. In fact, as of 2021, 9.6 million Americans were living with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and 1.84 million had vision-threatening DR (VTDR). Shocking, right? But here’s the good news: most diabetes-related vision problems are preventable with early detection and proper care.  The key? Regular diabetic eye exams. Let’s dive into how diabetes affects your eyes, why routine eye exams are essential, and how you can protect your vision for the long term. How Diabetes Impacts Your Vision Diabetes occurs when your body struggles to process glucose (sugar) efficiently, either due to low insulin levels or insulin resistance. This excess sugar in your bloodstream damages blood vessels throughout the body, including in your eyes. Here’s a closer look at the most common diabetes-related eye conditions: 1. Diab...

The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams: Safeguarding Your Vision on the Diabetes Journey

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  Eye health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and for individuals with diabetes, it becomes even more paramount. A study conducted in 2012  estimated that 9.60 million people in the US (26.43% of those with diabetes) had diabetic retinopathy and 1.84 million people (5.06% of those with diabetes) had vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy in 2021. Diabetes can have profound effects on the eyes, potentially leading to severe complications that may impact vision. Regular eye exams are a fundamental component of managing diabetes and safeguarding your vision.  In this blog, we will explore how diabetes can affect eye health, delve into specific diabetes-related eye diseases, and emphasize the importance of regular diabetic eye exams . How Can Diabetes Affect Your Eye Health & Vision? Blood Vessel Sensitivity The delicate blood vessels in the retina play a vital role in supporting eye health. However, these vessels are sensitive to damage caused by high blood s...