Dr. Ted Traicus, Optometrist  call us at  416 - 224-0103
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Sight is a precious gift​
 DIABETES & THE EYES...Fact Sheet  

· Diabetes is now a major health epidemic and the leading cause of disability in North America. 3 out of 10 people with the disease   are undiagnosed. The most common chronic disease in school-aged children is diabetes.

· Although Type 2 may take longer to show damage in the eyes, both Type 1 and Type 2 are equally devastating if not properly         controlled.

· Early signs of diabetes include: excess thirst and urination, losing weight without trying, double vision, and sudden blurred vision.   Paradoxically, nearsighted people notice that they can suddenly see without their glasses.

· Main causes include: Type 1: genetic and autoimmune deficits
                                     Type 2: childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyle,
                                                 ​diet high in saturated fats and low in fiber

· Conditions that can worsen the effects of diabetes:
   ​hypertension, cardiovascular disease, smoking, pregnancy.
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· Diabetic Retinopathy occurs in 40% of diabetics which can result in
​retinal bleeding, macular edema, retinal detachment with reduced vision, and possibly blindness.

· If bleeding or abnormal blood vessel growth occurs at the back of the eye, treatment may include: laser photocoagulation, ocular   injections of abnormal blood vessel growth inhibitors (Anti-VEGF), anti-oxidants like Vitamin E and A to counter cellular oxidative     stress, or steroids injections to reduce retinal inflammation.

· Cataracts, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration (AMD) are more prevalent with diabetes.

· Diabetics are more susceptible to the damaging effects of U.V. sunlight and glare and therefore should protect their eyes with         Polarized sunglasses, Transition photochromics, or clip-on sunglasses, as well as an anti-glare coating on their glasses.

· To help reduce ocular and systemic complications, diabetics should: adhere to their physicians treatment plan ( Insulin ,                 Metformin)  to control their hyperglycemia, adapt a regular exercise program , control body weight, protect their eyes from U.V.       damage and get a retinal eye examination once a year with Dr. Traicus.