High cholesterol levels can lead to serious health issues, including eye issues. Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina (which lines the back of your eye) leak, swell and close off, which results in blurry vision and red blotches around its center.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when diabetes affects the retina (the back lining that captures light and transmits it to the brain), in particular its tiny blood vessels. High sugar levels may cause these blood vessels to swell, leak fluid or close altogether leading to vision loss over time. Most damage from diabetic Retinopathy can be reversed with early diagnosis and treatment so it is crucial for people living with diabetes to visit their eye care provider for regular dilated eye exams (at minimum annual) as soon as possible to prevent further vision loss from diabetic Retinopathy retinopathy from happening! To combat any further vision loss it is essential that those living with Diabetes should visit their eye care providers regularly for regular dilated eye exams with their doctor or more frequently as recommended by their physician for regular check-ups as soon as possible as early intervention can reverse most damage done from diabetic Retinopathy can reverse most damage done to vision loss over time; so its important that patients with Diabetes get annual or more frequent eye exams from qualified healthcare provider for effective management and management. This is why patients living with Diabetes should get regular dilated eye exams with an optophthalmologist- trained physician- trained physician in diabetic Retopathy treatment yearly or more frequently depending on treatment or their physician may recommend more frequently as needed by your healthcare provider or as recommended to do so that early treatment can reverse any damage done from diabetic Retopathy can reverse damage done from this condition! if early enough. So get an annual or more frequently scheduled eye exams by their physician recommended by their physician to keep up-in-to keep on annual or more frequently recommended by their doctors annual eye exams or more frequent as recommended visits should have annual or more frequent examinations (at regular eye exam and eye exams as soon as necessary from your healthcare provider (if possible ).

At its onset, diabetic retinopathy begins when small blood vessels around the retina swell or leak fluid, which leads to blurry or hazy vision. Later stages can involve retinal blood vessels closing off completely, leading to dark blotches appearing across your field of vision or even leading to permanent loss. Worst case scenario would see retinal blood vessels bleeding into vitreous (gel-like substance that fills eye) causing macular hemorrhage which in turn may result in permanent vision loss.

Treating diabetic eye disease requires keeping blood sugar under control, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, exercising regularly and consulting their primary care physician regularly as well as receiving an annual dilated eye exam.

Diabetic retinopathy affects vision in many ways. If diabetic retinopathy affects your vision, treatments include laser surgery to seal off leaky blood vessels and discourage new ones from growing; optometrists may inject medication directly into the eye to decrease inflammation or prevent new blood vessel formation; in severe cases surgical repair of retinal detachment may be required by incising vitreous from within an eye and replacing it with clear solution; general anesthesia will likely be needed in these instances.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes don’t produce enough tears or produce tears of an improper consistency, leading to discomfort and vision issues. Common symptoms associated with this condition are itchy and watery eyes, sensations like something is in your eye, burning sensations, blurred vision and light sensitivity.

The tear film is composed of three layers. The innermost layer consists of mucus material that acts as a protective lubricant for the eye. Next is an aqueous layer containing water, oxygen and salts (hence why your tears taste salty); this helps maintain corneal health. Finally is an outer lipid layer composed of oils which prevent tears from evaporating too rapidly if suffering from dry eye syndrome. If this describes you it is essential that treatment be sought immediately to avoid more serious vision issues developing later down the road.

There are various causes of dry eye, including age-related changes, medications like antihistamines and oral contraceptives, diseases of the conjunctiva, lack of blinking, surgeries or medical treatments. Although symptoms of dry eye are generally mild at first glance, they can quickly worsen without treatment.

Along with alleviating the symptoms of dry eye, there are also treatments available that may prevent future outbreaks from taking place. Options may include over-the-counter eyedrops, ointments and medications which your doctor can recommend according to your individual needs and situation.

If you are experiencing symptoms of high cholesterol and are looking to schedule an evaluation, don’t hesitate to call UT Southwestern! Our team is on standby and ready to answer any queries that arise as well as work together towards creating the best outcome possible for each of our patients. We look forward to meeting you soon and look forward to ensuring a good experience overall! We hope to see you soon!

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, often leading to vision loss or even blindness. This damage occurs from pressure build-up inside the eye caused by too quickly produced fluid or drainage issues; problems in blood vessels nourishing the optic nerve; family histories are at higher risk than otherwise, but anyone may develop the disease.

Glaucoma usually shows no symptoms until damage has already become too great, which is why regular eye exams are important – either to help prevent it, or detect and treat early cases. Inform friends and family of the importance of scheduling regular examinations so they too can protect their sight by scheduling exams themselves.

Chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) is the most prevalent form of glaucoma. It often develops gradually and becomes more likely to strike with age; however, other medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure could also increase your risk. Furthermore, African Americans are particularly at risk.

An acute angle closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage area in the eye becomes blocked suddenly, leading to rapid vision loss. Other symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma may include sudden pain in the eye, blurry vision, halos around lights and nausea and vomiting.

If you have glaucoma, your doctor will prescribe medications to lower the pressure in your eye, helping prevent further vision loss or blindness. Furthermore, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as well as fish containing omega-3 fatty acids will also aid. Regular physical activity is beneficial.