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Conditions Information
This page is intended to provide some general information about conditions or findings that Dr. Vlad has reviewed with you at your eye exam.
Cataracts
Inside each eye is a lens, normally we are all born with a clear lens inside each eye and that lens allows us to see our world clearly. This lens is located behind the iris (the color of your eye) and the pupil (the black hole). Most often, as we age, the lenses in our eyes also age and instead of remaining transparent they begin to become cloudy, thus making it harder and harder to see; almost like looking through a fog.
Most cataracts develop gradually, beginning in our early 40’s. All people will develop them over time, some faster than others; and some become symptomatic earlier or later than others, as well. However, cataracts may develop from other factors including but not limited to: trauma, genetics, diabetes, surgery, medications, radiation, UV exposure, and even smoking. Overall, there is no true ability for your doctor to exactly predict how quickly your cataracts will develop. However, it is recommended to wear UV eye protection to limit damaging rays from the sun.
Signs and symptoms may include, but are not limited to: blurry or hazy vision at distance, near or both, light sensitivity, glare, halos, poor night driving, loss of vision, double vision, distorted vision, and dulling of colors and shades.
Most cataracts are monitored yearly by your eye care specialist with a dilated eye exam. Visual correction such as glasses and contact lenses are adjusted as much as allowed by the individual’s cataract opacity. When the cataracts become too difficult to compensate for with glasses or contacts, your eye care specialist will discuss your next options at that time.
Cataracts
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in the blood for an extended period of time can cause damage in many parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. Eye-wise, sugar damages small blood vessels in the eye and causes them to leak.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 90% of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented but early detection and prompt care. Diabetics should have at least one annual dilated eye exam with an eye care specialist to monitor for any bleeding inside of the eyes. Unfortunately, studies show that 60% of diabetics are not having their eye exams.
Diabetes may affect the eyes in several ways:
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Diabetic Retinopathy
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Diabetic Macular Edema
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Cataracts
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Vein Occlusions
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Ulcers & Nerve Damage
Diabetic retinopathy is when the vessels in the back of the eye begin to swell, leak, and or close off completely (occlusions). Blood vessels carry vital oxygen and nutrients to feed the retina, the tissue in the back of the eye allowing you to see. If the vessels are compromised, oxygen and nutrients will no longer feed the retina for it to function properly and thus it dies, leaving the patient with irreversible vision loss. Worse, the body may attempt to form new but abnormal blood vessels that leak and poison the retina.
Diabetic macular edema is when blood leaks and pools at the center of the back of the eye, the macula, which is responsible for all central and detailed vision. Blood outside of its vessels is toxic to the retina and may lead to irreversible vision loss.
Cataracts, although normally age-related in their development, may prematurely be caused by diabetes. The crystalline lens inside every person’s eye is made up of clear cells and proteins that have a special balance of sugars and water allowing the cells to be clear and in so doing, allow you to see clearly. If the lens is overwhelmed with fluctuating sugar or water, the cells begin to suffer and change in structure, thus developing into a visually cloudy cataract.
Your doctor recommends that you maintain good control of your blood sugar. Follow your primary care physician and/or endocrinologist's diet and exercise plan. If you have not had an eye exam with an eye care specialist, it is crucial to get one now. Be sure to never skip the follow-up exams with any of your doctors.
Inside each eye is a lens, normally we are all born with a clear lens inside each eye and that lens allows us to see our world clearly. This lens is located behind the iris (the color of your eye) and the pupil (the black hole). Most often, as we age, the lenses in our eyes also age and instead of remaining transparent they begin to become cloudy, thus making it harder and harder to see; almost like looking through a fog.
Most cataracts develop gradually, beginning in our early 40’s. All people will develop them over time, some faster than others; and some become symptomatic earlier or later than others, as well. However, cataracts may develop from other factors including but not limited to: trauma, genetics, diabetes, surgery, medications, radiation, UV exposure, and even smoking. Overall, there is no true ability for your doctor to exactly predict how quickly your cataracts will develop. However, it is recommended to wear UV eye protection to limit damaging rays from the sun.
Signs and symptoms may include, but are not limited to: blurry or hazy vision at distance, near or both, light sensitivity, glare, halos, poor night driving, loss of vision, double vision, distorted vision, and dulling of colors and shades.
Most cataracts are monitored yearly by your eye care specialist with a dilated eye exam. Visual correction such as glasses and contact lenses are adjusted as much as allowed by the individual’s cataract opacity. When the cataracts become too difficult to compensate for with glasses or contacts, your eye care specialist will discuss your next options at that time.