VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron A REAL EYE OPENER Up to 24,000 Americans are blinded by "diabetic retinopathy" each year. The American Optometric Association predicts that by 2050, the number of Americans over 40 years old with diabetic retinopathy will triple to 16 million. Diabetic retinopathy can be an insidious condition. The changes to the blood vessels in the retina are very gradual, so the initial symptoms are often subtle. All too often, the damage occurs in the eye without affecting a person's vision or causing discomfort. Then, an abrupt catastrophic loss of vision may occur, resulting in blindness. The only way that diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed is through a comprehensive eye exam. Diabetes is sometimes first diagnosed by optometrists, when diabetic retinopathy is discovered. Whether you have type 1, type 2, or even just gestational diabetes, you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. It is essential to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent vision loss. Treating diabetic retinopathy can include vitrectomy, replacing the inner gel-like substance that supports the eyeball structure, and laser surgery. For all your eyecare needs, please stop by SKOWRÓN EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. When diabetics experience long periods of high blood sugar, fluid accumulation in the eye lens can change its curvature, leading to blurred vision. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron A REAL EYE OPENER Up to 24,000 Americans are blinded by "diabetic retinopathy" each year. The American Optometric Association predicts that by 2050, the number of Americans over 40 years old with diabetic retinopathy will triple to 16 million. Diabetic retinopathy can be an insidious condition. The changes to the blood vessels in the retina are very gradual, so the initial symptoms are often subtle. All too often, the damage occurs in the eye without affecting a person's vision or causing discomfort. Then, an abrupt catastrophic loss of vision may occur, resulting in blindness. The only way that diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed is through a comprehensive eye exam. Diabetes is sometimes first diagnosed by optometrists, when diabetic retinopathy is discovered. Whether you have type 1, type 2, or even just gestational diabetes, you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. It is essential to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent vision loss. Treating diabetic retinopathy can include vitrectomy, replacing the inner gel-like substance that supports the eyeball structure, and laser surgery. For all your eyecare needs, please stop by SKOWRÓN EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. When diabetics experience long periods of high blood sugar, fluid accumulation in the eye lens can change its curvature, leading to blurred vision. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com