Diabetes is a known risk factor for developing cataracts and diabetic retinopathy-a serious threat to vision and a leading cause of new blindness. “The abnormal carbohydrate and sugar metabolism that is the hallmark of diabetes causes the sugars and metabolic byproducts to damage the crystalline lens of the eye and form cataracts. Thus, it is not uncommon for diabetic patients to need cataract surgery and often at an earlier age than others who are not diabetic,” explained Andreas Wolter, M.D., a New York Cataract Surgeon at Seeta Eye Centers in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. “While diabetes is known to cause difficulty with wound healing, the type of small incision cataract surgery performed today really poses no additional risk to diabetic patients than non diabetic patients. Further, we now use the femtosecond laser for bladeless cataract surgery which gives use exquisite control of the wound and incision architecture each and every time we operate,” noted Dr. Modi.
“It is important that diabetics considering cataract surgery have a careful evaluation of the retina-especially the macula-using ocular coherence tomography (OCT) to identify the presence of diabetic macular edema, a known finding in diabetic retinopathy that can cause less then optimal results. In addition, in certain situations some cataract surgeons may take an added precaution of placing an injection of VEGF inhibitor such as Avastin™ or Lucentis™ into the vitreous of the eye to prevent new blood vessel growth. Other than these considerations diabetic cataract surgery can offer patients good results,” concluded Dr. Wolter.
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to preserving eye health and vision with diabetes. If you or someone you know suffers from diabetes and is concerned about cataracts or in need of cataract surgery and lens implants please feel free to call Seeta Eye Centers and schedule an eye examination by calling 845-454-1025, visiting Seeta Eye Centers or facebook.com/seetaeyecenters.
No comments:
Post a Comment