November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month

November is recognized as Diabetic Eye Disease Month, dedicated to raising awareness about this serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that can occur as a result of diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of diabetic eye disease and occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this can lead to vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. Diabetic macular edema, on the other hand, involves swelling in the macula, which is responsible for central vision.

Cataracts are another common complication of diabetes, where clouding occurs in the lens of the eye. This can cause blurred vision and difficulty seeing clearly. Lastly, glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve and can result in peripheral vision loss.

Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease

Importance of Early Detection

One of the key messages during Diabetic Eye Disease Month is the importance of early detection. Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes to monitor their eye health and catch any potential issues before they progress. By detecting diabetic eye disease at an early stage, treatment options may be more effective in preventing further damage.

Managing Diabetes for Healthy Eyes

In addition to regular eye exams, managing diabetes effectively plays a significant role in maintaining healthy eyes. Keeping blood sugar levels within a target range through proper diet, exercise, medication (if prescribed), and regular monitoring can help minimize the risk of developing diabetic eye disease.

It's also essential to maintain good overall health by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes eating nutritious meals, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, managing stress levels effectively, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

Managing Diabetes for Healthy Eyes

Spread Awareness

During Diabetic Eye Disease Month, it's crucial to spread awareness about the importance of eye health for individuals with diabetes. By sharing information, resources, and personal experiences, we can encourage others to prioritize regular eye exams and take steps towards better managing their diabetes.

Remember, early detection and proactive management are key to preventing vision loss associated with diabetic eye disease. Let's work together to ensure that everyone with diabetes has access to the necessary care and support for healthy eyes.

If you or someone you know has diabetes, make sure to schedule a comprehensive eye exam today. Your eyesight is worth it!

Here is the message of our Lead consultant Professor Dr. Zia Ul Mazhry

"Diabetic retinopathy is a scientific term that means damage to the retina caused by leaky vessels of new vessel formation on the retina. Early detection is the key to damage control and devising a treatment plan. Moreover, by managing diabetes, you can reduce the progression of this disease affecting your eyesight. Patients having a high risk of diabetic retinopathy should know that regular examination and follow-up by a qualified eye specialist is the only way to timely diagnoses of this blinding disease. The sooner the diagnosis is established, the better custom treatment plan can be materialized."

Conclusion

Diabetic Eye Disease Month serves as a reminder of the potential risks that individuals with diabetes face when it comes to their vision. By understanding the different types of diabetic eye disease, emphasizing early detection, and managing diabetes effectively, we can help reduce the impact of this condition on people's lives. Let's join forces in spreading awareness and ensuring that everyone receives the necessary care for healthy eyes.

Limbal Dermoid

A 12-year-old boy presented to us with history of swelling in his right eye since birth and difficulty in vision for the last 2-3 years. The swelling was soft, localised, elevated, opaque, yellow-white mass located on the inferior temporal limbus at 7-8’o clock, there were fine hair present on the surface of swelling. Cycloplegic auto-refraction of the patient showed SPH +3.25 with CYL +5.00 at 118 degrees in right eye and SPH +1.25 with CYL +2.50 at 91 degrees. The patient had significant astigmatism in his right eye. Rest of the clinical examination of the patient was normal including anterior segment examination and retinal examination. The diagnosis of Limbal Dermoid was subsequently made and patient was advised excision.

Limbal dermoids are benign tumors that are choristomas (normal tissue at an abnormal site). Dermoid contains hair, adipose tissue, and squamous epithelium, presence of these findings is almost always pathognomic. Limbal dermoids are usually not inherited, however familial presentation of limbal dermoids in association with systemic disorders, such as Goldenhar syndrome is well known. Other associated ocular abnormalities include colobomata of the eyelids, lacrimal anomalies, scleral and corneal staphylomata, aniridia, and microphthalmia. Limbal dermoids can cause cosmetic disfigurement along with pressure symptoms on cornea leading to astigmatism and amblyopia in younger children. Prognosis generally is favorable and diagnosis is clinical.

The treatment approach for limbal dermoids may involve various methods depending on the specific case. These can include regular removal of irritating cilia, using topical lubrication to prevent foreign body sensation, or opting for surgical excision if the dermoid causes significant cosmetic disfigurement or vision interference.

Surgical intervention should be considered when the potential benefits, such as improved vision or cosmetic appearance, outweigh the risks associated with scar formation or surgical complications. The decision to proceed with surgery should be carefully evaluated, taking into account the individual patient's needs and circumstances.

Limbal Dermoid in a 12 years old patient, note the fine hairs on the surface and surface keratinization.