Diabetic Retinopathy
 Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, damaging small blood vessels in the eye and throughout the body. In the retina, these damaged blood vessels leak, swell or close, causing serious vision problems. At Pacific Vision Medical Center, we have extensive experience in the examination and treatment of patients with diabetes. We use state-of-the art lasers and most recently, medications placed directly into the eye to help preserve vision.
To thoroughly study the amount and location of diabetic eye damage, a series of photographs of the retina is often done after a small amount of a very safe, colored dye is injected into a vein. This procedure, using a special Fundus Camera, is called Fluorescein Angiography and is done in the office, generally taking less than one hour. When the test is complete, your physician will study all the photographs to determine the best method of treatment.
Sophisticated lasers are often used to treat areas of leaking and swelling in the retina. This laser uses thermal energy (heat) to precisely target areas of significant damage. These treatments are done in the office and often require only numbing drops for total comfort. Most patients will require more than one treatment and regular follow-up.
Fortunately, most diabetic retinopathy is preventable, although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed. Your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Regular, dilated eye exams at Pacific Vision Medical Center are an integral part of making sure your eyes are healthy. |
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Dry Eye
GENERAL
Dryness of the eyes is a very common ailment that can range in severity from being an occasional nuisance to being a truly sight-threatening condition. Dry eyes are also known as “sicca” or, when more severe, as “keratoconjunctivitis sicca.” The term “dry eyes” simply means that the tear film that coats the surface of the eye is diminished.
Symptoms include “tired” eyes, grittiness, burning or stinging. Surprisingly, intermittent tearing is one of the most common symptoms because reflex tearing occurs to compensate for the dryness.
Many factors can aggravate dry eyes. These include getting older, fatigue, environment, visually demanding work, some medications and certain systemic diseases.
DIAGNOSIS
Usually dry eyes can be diagnosed by an eye examination, using a sophisticated magnifier call a slit lamp biomicroscope.
Sometimes additional tests, such as the Shirmer test or special dyes, are used. These measure the amount of tears produced, the composition of the tears or the degree of secondary injury to the surface of the eye.
TREATMENT
There are many treatments for dry eyes. Treatment of mild dry eyes usually consists of environmental adjustments and occasional use of over-the-counter artificial tear drops. Moderate dry eyes may require prescription eye drops and more frequent use of artificial tears. Severe dry eyes may require surgical procedures. Your Pacific Vision Medical Center eye doctor has a wealth of experience in treating this condition and will recommend the appropriate treatment after an examination.
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