Diabetes attacks the small blood vessels of the entire body. When the blood sugar is not well controlled it can damage blood vessels in the back of the eye (the retina). These blood vessels can leak fluid and cause swelling. They can also become too weak to supply the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients to the retina. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy. The most common is nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. This form ranges from mild to severe and can progress into proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This form involves new blood vessel growth (neovascularization) of the retina. These vessels are extremely weak and grow in irregular patterns. The blood vessels leak and produce scar tissue that has the potential to cause severe vision loss. Excellent blood glucose control has been proven to lower the chance of diabetic retinopathy.
Playing sports with distorted vision can significantly impact your performance. Everyone – from children to adults – should see an optometrist or eye doctor for a comprehensive sports vision exam each season. Visual acuity is as important to sports as training is. Without optimal vision, your ability to return your partner’s ball, hit a homerun, or nail a hole-in-one is severely limited.
Did you know…
that your vision could be negatively affecting your game even if you are seeing clearly? That’s because vision is interconnected to other skills, such as hand-eye coordination. A sports optometrist or eye doctor can help you learn exercises that will maximize the skills you need to deliver your best performance.
It is highly recommended that you see an eye health professional who specializes in sports vision if you participate in high-impact or competitive activities. According to the American Optometric Association, thousands of eye injuries occur every year in connection with sports. By visiting a sports optometrist, you can learn ways of protecting your eyes, as well as maximize your visual acuity and coordination.
You can expect a number of screenings at your exam. Your eye doctor will identify your dominant eye, as well as your visual acuity. You may also test for:
Your eye doctor will make recommendations for treatment, if applicable. This may include vision therapy, eye-hand/foot coordination exercises, or even the use of corrective lenses. You may also be advised to wear sports eyewear to protect your eyes from injury while you are active.
It’s no secret that vision changes as people age. Seniors need to take extra special care of their vision, as there is a host of age-related vision problems and diseases that they are at risk for. As vision patients reach age 60 and beyond, they become at greater risk for developing conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and even dry eye. Regular visits to an eye doctor can help identify complications in their earliest stages and also make it possible to treat them sooner. With early treatment, many seniors can reduce their risk for total vision loss and maintain healthy eyes and vision for life.
Did you know…
that seniors are more likely to experience visual impairments when driving – especially at night? Often, seniors suffer the loss of peripheral vision or develop cataracts that distort oncoming headlights and street lights. For safer driving, the American Optometric Association recommends limiting vehicle usage to daytime hours only, as well as reducing overall speed when driving.
Yes. Eye exams are more important than ever during the senior years. You should be getting a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year or more if recommended by your eye doctor. Also, do not hesitate to make an appointment before your next annual appointment if you notice any changes to your vision.
Your senior eye exam will be much like the exams you’ve had for years. It will consist of a number of screenings, including tests for your visual acuity, peripheral field vision, and color distinction. Especially important is the retinal exam, which can help to identify the development of a number of vision and health complications.
Aside from practicing safe driving habits, it may help to supplement your vision with magnifiers and vision enhancers if you are experiencing difficulty with your eyesight. If your eye doctor has prescribed corrective lenses, be sure to wear them as directed – especially when driving, exercising, or walking. You may also find that using products with large types, such as phones and watches, is helpful for managing day-to-day activities.
A retinal exam – also referred to as an ophthalmoscopy – is an in-office screening used to examine the back of your eye. Checking the retina is important because a simple examination can reveal the presence of a number of underlying conditions, including diabetes, retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cancer. Early diagnosis of these disorders is important for minimizing the risk of vision loss and other health complications.
Did you know?
It is important that you share information about your health history with your eye doctor prior to your examination. This is especially true if you are visiting a new eye doctor or you have had changes in your health since your last screening. Bring a list of your medications and allergies, and be sure to discuss any recent or chronic illnesses you have had.
You should have a retinal exam on a regular basis – preferably every year at your periodic eye check-up. Because retinal exams can reveal so many disorders and diseases, patients of all ages – including school-age children – should have a retinal exam each year.
Prior to your exam, your eye doctor will put drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. He or she will then peer into the back of your eye using a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope. Through this device, your eye doctor will be able to view the blood vessels and tissues that surround the retina.
Following your exam, you may experience some vision blurring or sensitivity to light due to your dilated pupil. Side effects are only temporary, however, and you should be able to return to your normal routine soon after leaving the office. If your eye doctor finds anything unusual or abnormal during your retinal exam, you may need additional screenings.
Eyeglasses are removable lenses used to correct vision impairments. Some, such as reading glasses, can be purchased over the counter at local drug stores. Others, such as those used to treat refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia, are available only by prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. In cities around the world, including, eyeglasses are not only a solution for vision impairments but also fashionable accessories for people of all ages. In most cases, vision patients select a frame – usually made of metal or plastic, and then an eyeglass technician sculpts prescriptive lenses to fit it.
Did you know…
that eye glasses have been used to treat refractive errors for more than 700 years? They were once hand-held but eventually evolved into the wearable lenses we have today. Of the 143 million Americans who wear prescriptive eyewear, more than 90 million of them choose eyeglasses.
You may need to wear corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses, if you experience difficulty seeing clearly at a distance, up close, or while reading a book. The only way of knowing the type of glasses you may need is by scheduling an eye examination with your eye doctor.
If you need to wear eyeglasses, they will be adjusted and customized to comfortably fit your face at the time of purchase. You’ll need to wear them according to the recommendations of your eye doctor, such as for driving or while reading a book. Keep in mind that it may take some time to adjust to eyeglasses, as some patients experience mild vision distortion during the first few days or hours of initial wear.
You will need to keep your eyeglasses clean in order to reap the maximum benefits from your corrective lenses. If possible, only clean your lenses using a microfiber cloth and eyeglass solution. Using paper towels or other cleaning materials can cause abrasions to the lens.