It is a known fact that peripheral artery disease causes heart attack and stroke. However what is not well known is the fact that most people who have diabetes, often get peripheral artery disease & Glaucoma. The American Heart Association has declared September PAD awareness month. (Peripheral Artery Disease). Though it is a common condition it can cause serious damage to the bodies organs if it goes untreated. Including Glaucoma which can cause blindness if not caught early.

The American Heart Association also states that people with African American decent have a greater risk for Glaucoma, and those with Diabetes often get it because they are not controlling their sugar levels properly. It is vital to have your vision screens annually. This type of exam can detect problems with your sugar levels, and Glaucoma at an early stage. Below are some signs of PAD.

Symptoms of PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease):

Weakness or absent pulse in legs or feet

Numbness

Aching

Pain in legs or thighs

Heaviness in leg muscles

Sores & Wounds that don’t heal properly

Pale or blush appearance in skin of legs & Feet

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease in Women:

Unusual Sleep

Shortness of breath

Indigestion

Anxiety

Symptoms of Heart Attack in Men:

Pain, pressure in chest

Shortness of Breath

Discomfort

Dizziness

Nausea

If you are having or had any of the above symptoms talk to your primary care physician and stay safe!Having an annual eye exam is important to your health and safety. Be sure to get an annual eye exam from your eye care professional.

More helpful eye health information can be found here: www.boxerwachler.com

While there are several eye conditions associated with Diabetes, a few stand out all two clearly. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in ages 20-74. Mostly because several conditions with vision loss don’t show up until the vision has been drastically impaired. Vision conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy are just 3 of the many reasons why we should visit your eye care professional at least 2 times a year if you have diabetes.

Cataracts is caused when there is a foggy or clouded layer that develops over the clear lens of the eyes. This condition is typically slow and progressive and watched over a few years. Cataracts it typically treated with surgery where the lens is removed and a new clean lens inserted.

Some Symptoms of Cataracts are:

Fading Colors or Yellows

Glares

Increased sensitivity to light

Painless blurred vision

Poor night vision

Increasing light to read

Glaucoma is acquired when pressure builds up in the eye blocking the fluid from draining. This can be common in those with diabetes. Treatments for glaucoma are medicated drops, Laser procedures, or surgery.

Some symptoms of Glaucoma are:

Headaches

Blurred vision

Watery Eyes

Halos

Loss of Vision

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the more common eye conditions of diabetics. This eye condition is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the eye from the build up of blood sugar in the blood stream. Treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy are controlling glucose levels, laser procedures, and surgery.

Some symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy are:

Blurred or distorted Vision or difficulty reading

Floaters in your vision

Partial or total loss of vision

Shadow or veil across your field of vision

Pain in the eye

Tips for Healthy Vision with Diabetes:

Eating properly

Tight Control of Glucose levels

Medications

Insulin

Regular check-up with your eye surgeon

Reporting all changes in vision right away

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in I-BRITE eye whitening, LASIK, Keratoconus treatments, Insertable Contact Lens and other procedures.  More helpful information is at www.WhiterEyes.com and www.LasikConsumerReport.com and www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com and www.GetICL.com

There are two forms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma. Acute which is brought on quickly and considered a medical emergency; and Chronic which can develop slowly with no symptoms.

Acute Closed-Angle Glaucoma is generally caused by a rapid build up of pressure in the eye. Creating a sudden blockage of the fluid that travels between the iris and the lens. Acute Closed Angle Glaucoma can strike at any age and gender.

Chronic Closed-Angle Glaucoma is a silent creeper. It shows no symptoms and is usually caught during a routine examination. General symptoms of Chronic Closed-Angle Glaucoma are not apparent until much damage has been done. It is important to get regular screenings for Glaucoma if you have risk factors or any form of Diabetes. Risk factors for glaucoma are listed below.

Glaucoma Risk Factors:

Predominant Risk Factors-

Aging

Positive Family history

Race [African Americans]

High Intraocular Pressure

Central Corneal Thickness

Suspicious Nerve Appearance

Other Possible Risk Factors-

High Myopia

Diabetes

Hyper Tension

Eye Injury

History of steroid use

Migraine Headaches

Sleep Related-Breathing Disorders

Below are some symptoms of Acute Closed-Angle Glaucoma:

*Note: if you are experiencing these symptoms go to an emergency room for treatment.

Nausea

Vomiting

Severe pain

Rainbow Halos [Around lights]

Reddening of the eye

Acute Closed-Angle Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Failure to treat this serious condition can lead to blindness within one to two days. It is important to call your eye doctor immediately if you are experiencing any form of changes in your vision. Go to a medical center if you are experiencing vomiting, and severer pain in association with these changes. Learn more on other vision treatments : http://www.boxerwachler.com