According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in people 18–64 years old and annual routine eye examinations could prevent 95% of vision loss caused by diabetes.
Nostalgic Eye Care is here to educate our community and make sure that we have the correct knowledge to protect and preserve our most important sense and gift of sight.
WOMEN KNOW YOUR NUMBERS HEALTH SCREENING EVENT
WHEN: Saturday, November 12, 2022 (8:00 am to 4:00pm)
WHERE: ENON TABERNACLE EAST, 2800 West Cheltenham Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150
*Join us this Saturday 11/12/2022! We will be providing vision screening for the community!!!*
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a health condition that affects how your body converts the food that you eat into energy. It has 2 forms; Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is a genetic condition and shows up early in life, while Type 2 is life-style related and develops over time.
The body breaks down the food you eat into sugar which is also known as glucose. When glucose is released into the blood it triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin is like a “key” to let the sugar into the cells so that it can be used for energy.
When an individual has diabetes, they have an issue with insulin production or cannot use insulin well. Sugar then stays in the blood, accumulates and over time it can lead to serious problems including heart problems, kidney issues and vision loss.
WHAT DOES HAVING DIABETES HAVE TO DO WITH MY EYES?
Diabetic Retinopathy:
A condition in which high blood sugar levels over time leads to damaging blood vessels in the retina (back of the eye). These blood vessels will become leaky or blocked which can cause blurry vision.
Diabetic Macular Edema:
A condition is caused when the blood vessels in the back of the eye leak into the macula which is the part of the retina (back of the eye) that is responsible for our sharp, precise vision.
Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment:
A condition where the leaky blood vessels grow further into the middle part of the eye (vitreous) and pull on the surface of the back of the eye. This can cause tears in the retina which ultimately leads to irreversible blindness.
WHAT VISUAL SYMPTOMS SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?
Cloudy vision
Trouble seeing at night
Dark areas of vision
Trouble perceiving colors
Seeing double
Blurry vision in only one eye
Redness or pain in your eye
Loss of peripheral vision
Seeing an increased amount of floaters or spots in vision
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself. It is extremely essential to get screened for diabetes if you have a relative who has diabetes. Managing your diet and exercising regularly are ways in which you can prevent diabetes. Be sure to receive annual eye examinations so that we can inform you on conditions that you may not be aware that you have.
Sources: