More Than Just Blood Sugar, Diabetes Effects Eyes, Too
(Muncie, IN) November 5, 2008 - While it might seem odd to think about an eye doctor concerned with diabetes, diabetic eye disease, otherwise known as diabetic retinopathy, can be one of the most frightening effects of diabetes. An estimated 23 million Americans have diabetes, and all are at risk for developing diabetic eye disease. Furthermore, as the obesity epidemic worsens, the number of people living with diabetes is expected to increase. November is designated as National Diabetes month, as well as National Diabetic Eye Disease month. Each year, The Eye Center Group reminds everyone that education, prevention, and early detection are keys in preventing blindness. Drs. Jeffrey Rapkin and Rita Singh, ophthalmologist and retinal and vitreous disease specialists, discusses diabetic retinopathy:
Dr. Rapkin: “High blood sugar levels can weaken blood vessels in the eye's retina causing them to leak blood or fluid. This causes the retina to swell and can lead to vision loss. Blood sugar fluctuations can also promote growth of new, fragile blood vessels on the retina, which can break easily and leak blood into the vitreous (the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye). This can blur vision and lead to permanent vision impairment. “
Dr. Singh: “This is a tragedy waiting to happen because anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, a degenerative disease of the retina (the sensitive area at the back of the eye), a leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans. Although prevention is the best course, there are treatment options available. A simple, yearly, exam with an eye doctor can save your sight.”
The Eye Center Group, along with American Health Network in Muncie are hosting opportunities to learn more about
diabetic eye disease:
Monday, November 17, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Kokomo Eye Center, 2302 S. Dixon Rd., Suite 100
Monday, November 17, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Greenville Eye Center, 6050 St. Rte. 571 E.
Tuesday, November 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Muncie Eye Center, 200 N. Tillotson Ave.
Wednesday, November 19, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
American Health Network, 3631 N. Morrison Rd.
Thursday, November 20, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Richmond Eye Center, 1900 Chester Blvd.
Monday, November 24, 1:30pm – 3:30 pm
Marion Eye Center, 711 Gardner Dr.
At these events, technicians will screen for potential eye diseases and evaluate your risk for diabetic eye disease.
Furthermore, American Health Network patients are now able to schedule appointments to see Muncie Eye Center Medical Optometrist, Dr. James Stewart conveniently at the American Health Network campus on Morrison Road in Muncie. Dr. Stewart specializes in the management of eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and dry eye.
About Jeffrey S. Rapkin, M.D.
As a board-certified ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist, Dr. Rapkin provides medical and surgical eye care and
consultation in the specialty field of retinal disease. He offers his patients the latest advances in retinal care
including management of diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. Dr. Rapkin also treats
the retinal effects of hypertension, circulatory problems, and inflammatory disease. He continues to be a leader
in ongoing research and development of state-of-the-art treatments for diseases of the eye.
About Rita Singh, M.D.
As a board-certified ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist, Dr. Singh provides medical and surgical eye care and
consultation in the specialty field of retinal disease. She offers his patients the latest advances in retinal care
including management of diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. Dr. Singh also treats
the retinal effects of hypertension, circulatory problems, and inflammatory disease. She continues to be a leader
in ongoing research and development of state-of-the-art treatments for diseases of the eye.
About The Eye Center Group
The Eye Center Group is the largest multi-specialty eye care practice in the state of Indiana. The Eye Center Group
has on staff over twenty physicians board certified and specialized in particular fields of eye care and offers nine
locations throughout Indiana and Ohio, including, Muncie, Richmond, Marion, Kokomo, Fort Wayne, Greenville, Winchester,
Connersville and Portland Eye Centers. The Eye Center Group services include the full range of comprehensive medical
and surgical eye care including: Laser Vision Correction (LASIK, PRK, ASA refractive surgery), cataract IOL surgery,
multifocal lens implant, glaucoma, retinal disease and surgery, macular degeneration, oculoplastics, facial cosmetic
surgery including Botox, Restylane and CosmoDerm, diabetic eye care, general eye diseases and family optometry
including exams for glasses and contacts (in select locations).
About American Health Network
American Health Network is a physician system that covers Indiana and Ohio with more than 70 offices and 200 physicians.
While the network is comprised primarily of family medicine physicians, American Health Network now boasts Indiana’s
largest group of medical oncologists, as well as a host of other medical specialties.
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Contact:
Susan Conyers
Marketing Specialist
200 N. Tillotson Ave., Muncie, IN 47304
765.286.8888 or 1.800.223.2733
sconyers@eyecentergroup.com
