November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
November is a time for giving thanks for friends, family, yummy food and good health. Great vision is something to also be thankful for which is why we are spotlighting Diabetic Eye Disease in November for Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month.
At Ighani Eye Care, we want to take this opportunity to discuss diabetic retinopathy and its symptoms, long-term consequences and some prevention tips associated with it. In addition, if you or a loved one have diabetes, we would be honored to help care for your specific eye care needs.
What You Need to Know about Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the damage to blood vessels at the back of the eye in patients with diabetes. In its initial stages, some patients do not develop symptoms, which is why we recommend patients with diabetes make regular appointments to monitor their eye health.
When symptoms arise, patients may notice spots or strings floating in their field of vision, blurred vision, dark or empty areas in their line of sight, or vision loss. On their own, these symptoms may indicate other health issues as well, therefore, regular imaging is important to determine the root cause of these symptoms.
Left untreated, many issues could contribute to partial or complete blindness. Retinal detachment, glaucoma and vitreous hemorrhage (or internal bleeding into the center of the eye, thereby blurring or blocking vision) are among the most significant concerns.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy, and permanent effects are not reversible. If caught early in the disease progression, effective treatment can dramatically slow diabetic retinopathy from developing serious life-altering symptoms.
There are various options when it comes time to decide on a treatment plan. From laser treatment to injections to surgery, you and your doctor will determine the best treatment for your needs, lifestyle and stage of the disease.
What can you do to prevent diabetic retinopathy?
- Step one is to make sure you are managing your diabetes well. This is always recommended because left unchecked, diabetes can cause a range of health issues.
- Another key prevention tip is to ask your doctor for an A1C test, which can give an average reading of your blood sugar levels over two to three months.
- It is recommended to quit smoking for the myriad of health concerns associated with tobacco use. Studies show that smoking is also a risk factor when it comes to increased complications from diabetes, including retinopathy.
- Lastly, always let your doctor know if there are any changes to your vision. Diabetic Retinopathy can progress quite a bit before symptoms arise, so it is important that you notify your doctor of any concerns as soon as they appear. The earlier we find diabetic retinopathy, the more effective our treatment will likely be.
Why Choose Ighani Eye Care?
Experience. Farshid Ighani, MD, and Brian Anding, MD, are Board-Certified Ophthalmologists and highly skilled Cataract and Refractive Specialists with many years of surgical experience. Dr. I has been in private practice since 2009, and founded Ighani Eye Care in early 2022. Dr. Anding with his 30 years experience joined Ighani Eye Care soon after they opened their doors and they proudly work as a team to help their patients achieve their best vision.
Care. More than a tagline, “I care. You’ll see.” is a promise. A commitment made by every staff member to each patient they are honored to serve. From eye exams and eye disease management to LASIK and modern cataract surgery, at Ighani Eye Care, we want to be your trusted eye care provider in every season of life.
More than a provider of the latest advancements in ophthalmology, Dr. I’s vision for his practice isn’t just about technology – it is about people. “We treat each person that walks through the doors of Ighani Eye Care with respect, honor, warmth,” said Dr. I.
Thankful for Better Vision
When it is time to schedule an eye exam, we hope you’ll choose the experts here at Ighani Eye Care in Bedford, TX. We would be honored to partner with you to make sure your eyes are healthy and well-monitored for vision issues that may arise in the future. Call us at 682.688.2020 to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience or request an appointment today!
