Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease of the retina caused by the damaging systemic effects of diabetes. It becomes more prevalent in longstanding or uncontrolled diabetics, affecting about 80% of people who have had diabetes for 20 or more years. Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels of the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive nerve layer which lines the back of the eye and converts light into electric signals which are sent along the optic nerve and to the brain. If the retina cannot function adequately, vision will be impaired.
It is important for people with diabetes to have regular eye exams because Diabetic Retinopathy will often begin without any symptoms. The disease usually progresses over many years, often showing no symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred. Symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, loss of color vision, loss of central vision or complete loss of vision due to hemorrhaging. There is also a higher risk for retinal detachment, macular edema, and eventual blindness. Untreated diabetic retinopathy can also lead to glaucoma.
Early detection of diabetic retinopathy allows for treatment options which may delay and reduce vision loss but cannot cure the disease or reverse many of the damages caused. Treatments may include laser, eye injections and/or surgical intervention.
Diabetes control is always strongly encouraged and is the best way to reduce damage. Preventative measures include lifestyle changes and strict monitoring to keep blood sugar levels in a controlled targeted range. If you have diabetes you are encouraged to have regular eye examinations and call your doctor if there are any changes in vision.
It is important for people with diabetes to have regular eye exams because Diabetic Retinopathy will often begin without any symptoms. The disease usually progresses over many years, often showing no symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred. Symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, loss of color vision, loss of central vision or complete loss of vision due to hemorrhaging. There is also a higher risk for retinal detachment, macular edema, and eventual blindness. Untreated diabetic retinopathy can also lead to glaucoma.
Early detection of diabetic retinopathy allows for treatment options which may delay and reduce vision loss but cannot cure the disease or reverse many of the damages caused. Treatments may include laser, eye injections and/or surgical intervention.
Diabetes control is always strongly encouraged and is the best way to reduce damage. Preventative measures include lifestyle changes and strict monitoring to keep blood sugar levels in a controlled targeted range. If you have diabetes you are encouraged to have regular eye examinations and call your doctor if there are any changes in vision.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a common change in your eyes which normally occurs without any adverse effects. The eye is filled with a clear gel-like substance called vitreous, which helps to maintain the pressure and structure of the eye. A PVD occurs when the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the retina. Often a PVD occurs as a result of the eyes natural aging process although the process is more common in persons who are nearsighted.
A Posterior Vitreous Detachment is often associated with the onset of new floaters and sometimes flashes of light. Floaters occur when tiny pieces of retina, blood, or vitreous float within the eye. When the light travelling through the vitreous meets one of these pieces a shadow is created. Floaters may be of varying sizes and shapes and may be more obvious when looking at a light background. It is important to note that floaters can be seen even if there is no eye condition. Over time, floaters do become less problematic as your brain will start to ignore them. For most patients there will be no restriction on daily activities.
Flashes of light are caused when the vitreous pulls away from the retina creating a tug on the retina. This result in a small electrical charge being generated by the retina and this is interpreted as a flash of light. These tend to resolve over time as there will be no tug on the retina once the vitreous has completely pulled away.
The only way to diagnosis a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is with a complete eye examination with your eye care specialist. Though there are currently no treatments indicated, it is important that they monitor the condition to ensure there are not associated retinal tears or detachments.
The symptoms noted for a PVD are similar to those caused by a retinal tear or retinal detachment, two conditions which must be treated immediately to avoid loss of vision. If you experience any of the following symptoms you are advised to call your optometrist or ophthalmologist for an assessment:
A Posterior Vitreous Detachment is often associated with the onset of new floaters and sometimes flashes of light. Floaters occur when tiny pieces of retina, blood, or vitreous float within the eye. When the light travelling through the vitreous meets one of these pieces a shadow is created. Floaters may be of varying sizes and shapes and may be more obvious when looking at a light background. It is important to note that floaters can be seen even if there is no eye condition. Over time, floaters do become less problematic as your brain will start to ignore them. For most patients there will be no restriction on daily activities.
Flashes of light are caused when the vitreous pulls away from the retina creating a tug on the retina. This result in a small electrical charge being generated by the retina and this is interpreted as a flash of light. These tend to resolve over time as there will be no tug on the retina once the vitreous has completely pulled away.
The only way to diagnosis a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is with a complete eye examination with your eye care specialist. Though there are currently no treatments indicated, it is important that they monitor the condition to ensure there are not associated retinal tears or detachments.
The symptoms noted for a PVD are similar to those caused by a retinal tear or retinal detachment, two conditions which must be treated immediately to avoid loss of vision. If you experience any of the following symptoms you are advised to call your optometrist or ophthalmologist for an assessment:
- Sudden appearance of floaters or an increase in the number of floaters
- Persistent flashes of light in your vision
- A dark veil or curtain across your vision
- Suddenly blurred or cloudy vision
Pterygium
Pterygium is a flesh colored growth that is most commonly formed nasally on the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the sclera (the white part of the eye) and lines the inside of the eyelids. In some cases a pterygium can grow onto the cornea, causing induced astigmatism and potential visual impact.
Pterygium development is linked to high levels of sunlight exposure and is therefore most commonly seen in individuals who have spent much of their time outdoors without proper UV protection. A pterygium can be caused by other factors such as a dry eye or irritation to the eye from prolonged exposure to dusty environments. Although a pterygium can come with no symptoms other than appearance, it may be associated with redness, itching or burning sensation.
Treatments for a pterygium depend on severity and visual impact. Eye drops may be used to treat mild cases such as those related with dryness or inflammation. In more developed cases or if the condition persists, a surgical procedure can be performed. During this procedure the pterygium is removed and may include a tissue graft in the affected area to prevent regrowth. Pterygium is performed under local anesthesia with the option of intravenous sedation.
Pterygium development is linked to high levels of sunlight exposure and is therefore most commonly seen in individuals who have spent much of their time outdoors without proper UV protection. A pterygium can be caused by other factors such as a dry eye or irritation to the eye from prolonged exposure to dusty environments. Although a pterygium can come with no symptoms other than appearance, it may be associated with redness, itching or burning sensation.
Treatments for a pterygium depend on severity and visual impact. Eye drops may be used to treat mild cases such as those related with dryness or inflammation. In more developed cases or if the condition persists, a surgical procedure can be performed. During this procedure the pterygium is removed and may include a tissue graft in the affected area to prevent regrowth. Pterygium is performed under local anesthesia with the option of intravenous sedation.