Among the most threatening diseases to eyes and vision is diabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, and patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for developing an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can affect patients of all ages, and those using and not using insulin as part of their diabetic treatment. The optometrists are Vista Eye Care are committed to working with their diabetic patients to monitor for eye disease and to discuss how diabetic eye disease can be prevented. Among the keys to avoiding disease are examination, communication, action, and follow-up.
Our eye doctors recommend that diabetic patients be seen at least yearly for their comprehensive eye and vision examination. At that examination, a dilated pupil exam will be performed in conjunction with optomap® imaging to view the health of the retinas. Diabetes can cause bleeding in the small blood vessels at the back of the eye, and the purpose of the eye examination is to carefully evaluate the health of the eye. Regular visits with the primary care physician or diabetic specialist is crucial to the long-term health of the diabetic patient.
After carefully examining the back of your eyes, our doctors will write a report to your primary care physician, endocrinologist, or diabetic specialist. Even if your eye exam doesn’t uncover any diabetic retinopathy, reporting that information to your primary care physician is still important to keeping your health information in one place. Many of our patients have primary care physicians in other cities, HMO’s, or hospitals. No matter where your doctor is, our eye doctors will communicate our findings. This communication is important to better manage your overall healthcare and prevention is key.
Let’s say that diabetic retinopathy is found in your retinas. Sometimes, that retinopathy will require immediate treatment by an eye surgeon, that is a medical doctor that specializes in the care of the retinas. Perhaps very mild retinopathy is noted and we only need to monitor your eyes. No matter what the findings, it is your turn to take action. The American Optometric Association says that diabetics “can help prevent or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy by taking your prescribed medication, sticking to your diet, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure and avoiding alcohol and smoking.”
The last step in good diabetic eye care is to adhere to the recommended follow-ups from your primary care physician and your eye care practitioner. If our doctors are following retinopathy, sometimes it is beneficial to watch that retinopathy resolve or progress over time. Getting your eyes checked here and there is great, but sticking to a routine of eye care will catch problems early when they are easier to treat.
Our eye doctors recommend eye exams every year for diabetic patients. Please call our office at (303) 450-2020 to schedule your annual check-up today!
Vista Eye Care is proud to offer Cinematiq Eyewear. This new brand embodies a concept that connects the world of cinema with a pair of high-quality handcrafted designer glasses, but not simply by movie inspired forms, but literally by movie material, namely original 16 and 35mm FILM footage – and this indeed is revolutionary.
2018 marks the year of the new Cinematiq Eyewear collection for which original 16 mm footage of two Asian action movies were used: Shogun’s shadow (1989) – dir. Yasuo Furuhata Fists of the Double K (1973) – dir. Jimmy L. Pascual (and early assistance of John Woo).
Both films have an abundance of outdoor scenes with natural lighting making them perfect for viewing with the naked eye. A special process of lamination preserves the delicate film before sandwiching it into a stainless steel frame.
The selected scenes that appear in the temples are all different for each pair of glasses, never repeating, not even once. This makes all frames even more unique. But the story does not stop at this point: all glasses come with a so called ‘movie ticket’ with a link where the curated movies can be watched.
From the designers’ perspective, it adds amazing detail to a pair of designer glasses. Each handmade spectacle “locks” real movie scenes into their temples. And from a movie-lovers view it is something very special to wear a piece of cinema history in a way that is modest, stylish and contemporary at the same time.
Please stop by Vista Eye Care today to browse our complete Cinematiq collection. These eyewear pieces are truly one-of-a-kind!
