Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It consists of damage to the blood vessels in the retina and can cause vision impairment or blindness.
Risk Factors
All people with diabetes are at risk, including Type I (juvenile onset) and Type II diabetes. During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may also be a problem for women with diabetes. All pregnant women with diabetes should have dilated eye examinations each trimester to protect their vision.
About 50 percent of people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime.
Prevalence
About 50 percent of people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the risk to develop diabetic retinopathy.
Vitreous floaters are sometimes seen as threadlike strands in the patient’s visual field. Typically these lines/spots float or drift as the eye moves
Symptoms
Floaters can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. Sometimes difficulty reading or doing close work can indicate that fluid is collecting in the macula, the most light-sensitive part of the retina.
Treatment
Two treatment options are available; both of which are very effective but do not cure diabetic retinopathy: Laser surgery is performed in a doctor’s office or eye clinic. Before the surgery, your ophthalmologist will dilate your pupil and apply drops to numb the eye. In some cases, the doctor also may numb the area behind the eye to prevent any discomfort. A vitrectomy will be performed whenever laser surgery is deemed inefficient, usually if you have a lot of blood in the vitreous. A vitrectomy involves removing the cloudy vitreous and replacing it with a salt solution. Because the vitreous is mostly composed of water, you won’t notice the difference between the salt solution and the normal vitreous.
As we celebrate Black History this month, we take a look at some remarkable pioneers whose persistence, dedication, innovation and leadership have paved the way and shaped the landscape of eye and vision science.
From top to right:
David K. McDonogh, MD, (1821 - 1893), was a slave who, became America's FIRST African American Ophthalmologist, practiced at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and even started a practice in Manhattan’s Village neighborhood.
Howard P. Venable, MD, (1913 – 1998) and his wife, Katie, started the Venable Student Research Fund in Ophthalmology with the goal of encouraging more black students to join the ophthalmology field. The fund supported resident research projects and provided resources for necessary equipment and housing. Venable retired in 1987 and in 1994 was awarded the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Outstanding Humanitarian Award — the first African American to receive this honor. ... See MoreSee Less
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Great leaders look toward the future—shouldn’t you? This Presidents Day, take the first step toward better vision with LASIK, cataract surgery, or dry eye care!
🏝️ See the beauty of our islands with clear vision. ⛰ ... See MoreSee Less
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😍 Your Eyes Deserve a Love Story Too! 😍
Give yourself (or a loved one!) the gift of improved vision this Valentine’s Day! Imagine waking up glasses-free and seeing your world with clarity and confidence thanks to LASIK.
👁️ Ready to start your love story with clear vision? Schedule a consultation today! ... See MoreSee Less
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50, affecting central vision and making daily tasks like reading and driving difficult.
🔍 Know the Signs:
Blurry or distorted vision
Dark or empty spots in your central vision
Trouble recognizing faces
Early detection is key! Regular eye exams can help protect your vision. If you or a loved one are at risk, schedule an eye exam today! ... See MoreSee Less
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Wishing you a year filled with clear vision, good health, and prosperity! As we welcome the Year of the Snake, may your future be bright and full of new possibilities. 🐍
👁️ Start the new year seeing clearly—whether it's LASIK, cataract surgery, or a routine eye exam, we’re here to help you achieve better vision for a brighter tomorrow!
🏝️ From our ohana to yours, Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! 🎊 ... See MoreSee Less
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Low vision is when even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people have difficulty seeing, which makes everyday tasks difficult to do. The leading causes of vision loss in older adults are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Eye Center of Hawaii provides support for these patients as well as preventative care to preserve vision by diagnosing and treating these conditions before they take vision. ... See MoreSee Less
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