If You Have Diabetes Protect Your Eyesight
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Understand the benefits of a dilated retinal exam
Keep sight of your special eye care needs
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Diabetes and Your Eyes
If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic eye disease But early detection and treatment can help prevent further eye damage and future vision loss Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes are at risk for developing All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness:
Diabetic retinopathy damage to the blood vessels in the retina Cataracts - clouding of the eyes lens Glaucoma - an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage
Understanding Dilation
Having your regular doctor look at your eyes or having your eyeglass prescription tested is not enough Your eye doctor can detect diabetic retinopathy by performing a dilated retinal exam Medicated drops are placed in each eye, enlarging the pupils This dilation allows
your eye doctor to check the back of your eyes for any signs of retinopathy Your eye doctor can then determine if any further treatment is necessary Most health insurance carriers cover an annual dilated retinal eye exam for people with diabetes under medical benefits Check with your health insurance carrier
Dilated Eye Exam Report Form
HOW TO USE THIS FORM:
1 Fill out Your Information section 2 Ask your eye doctor to fill out the Eye Care Office section 3 Detach the form at the dotted line, fold over and seal Fill out the mailing label with your family doctors address and your return address 4 Mail or carry this form to your family doctor so it can be put in your medical chart
Your Information
Name: _______________________DOB____ Address: ______________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________ 
________ Family doctors name/address: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Eye care professionals name/office address: ______________________________________ ______________________________________
A Closer Look at Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye condition associated with
diabetes It is caused when the tiny blood vessels on the retina - the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye are damaged In its early stage, known as background retinopathy, the blood vessels may swell and leak fluid Often, symptoms go unnoticed at this phase of the disease If not properly treated, the condition may progress into the more advanced form called proliferative retinopathy At this stage, new blood cells grow on the surface of the retina and can bleed into the eye, blocking vision It may be tempting to postpone a visit to the eye doctor if you are not experiencing eye pain or blurred vision But remember, symptoms dont always appear in the early stages
Communication is Key
It is important to notify your family doctor or healthcare provider about your dilated retinal eye exam results, as this information can be used to help monitor your diabetes If your eye doctor does not already do so, the attached report form can be used to communicate your eye exam results to your family doctor Simply detach the form at the dotted line and follow the directions at the top of the form
Eye Care Office
Date of exam: __________________________ Check all that apply:
Non-proliferative retinopathy No Yes Proliferative retinopathy Cataracts No Yes Glaucoma No Yes Other _______________________________ Visual Acuity __________________________ Next recommended visit: _________________ Eye care professionals signature: ______________________________________ No Yes
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wwwkentuckydiabetesnet
A statewide partnership to improve the treatment and outcomes for Kentuckians with diabetes
Source:paddocklabs.com
