November Is Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Nalin H. Tolia, M.D., F.A.C.S., wants to remind everyone that diabetes continues to be a growing epidemic in the United States.

Currently, an estimated 17.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. Another 5.7 million people are unaware they even have the disease and 57 million people are at risk of contracting the disease.

What many of these individuals may not know is that all people with diabetes — both Type 1 and Type 2 — are at risk for contracting diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss among adults in the United States. In fact, people with diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose their vision than those without the disease. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is for him or her to have retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Laser photocoagulation surgery can be effective in shrinking or preventing those new blood vessels from growing.

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually has no warning signs. Over time, however, the vision blurs and everyday tasks become more difficult. Vision loss cannot usually be regained.

“It is especially important for individuals who are at high risk for diabetes to visit an eye doctor regularly for dilated eye exams,” Dr. Tolia says. Early detection, timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care can reduce the risk of blindness by 95 percent.

A medical eye examination is the best way to detect changes inside your eye. An ophthalmologist can often diagnose and treat serious retinopathy before you are aware of any vision problems.

During an examination, the doctor dilates your pupils and looks inside the eye. If diabetic retinopathy is suspected, your doctor may also order color photographs or a special test called fluorescein angiography to find out whether you need further treatment. In this test, a dye is injected into your arm and photos of your eye are taken to detect where fluid is leaking. Another technique for diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is the OCT, optical coherence tomography, that detects swelling in the retina.

Dr. Tolia received his Master of Surgery of Ophthalmology at the University of Bombay. In 1974, he moved to Odessa where he trained with Dr. John H. Sheets, a pioneer in cataract surgery with lens implants.

In 1986, Dr. Tolia opened Tolia Eye Clinic. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons.

Tolia Eye Clinic is located at One Professional Plaza, 6005 Eastridge Rd., Ste. 100, Odessa. Call (432) 362-2020 to make an appointment and get your eyes checked.