ASK THE (EYE) EXPERTS

Q: Can diabetes cause vision problems?

A: Of the 16 million people with diabetes in the United States, nearly half will develop some degree of diabetic eye disease such as diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy is an impairment of the retina — the nerve-rich, light-sensing area in the back of the eye that is crucial for sight. Diabetic retinopathy typically develops without early warning signs. The damage to the eye can occur slowly and is hard to detect without regular and accurate monitoring. Detecting this disease early can save your vision. If patients with diabetic retinopathy are treated properly before the retina is severely damaged, they will have an excellent chance of stabilizing the disease and stopping its progress. Mann Eye Institute and Laser Center has the latest diagnostic equipment to diagnose and monitor diabetic eye disease. A vitrectomy may also be performed to restore vision by removing hemorrhaged areas and to repair retinal detachment. Regular eye exams, good medical management of blood sugar and blood pressure, along with timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of visual loss and blindness. Mike Mann, MD, serves on the Board of Directors of the American College of Eye Surgeons. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. He specializes in refractive (Blade-Free LASIK) and cataract surgery.