Focal Points

An informative newsletter from Drs. Sims, Giancola, Kampschroeder, and Halkias Fall 2012

DONT LOSE SIGHT OF DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

LASER VISION CORRECTION NEWS

Of all the Refractive Surgery options available currently, the two most common and most successful are PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) and Lasik (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis).

s part of National Diabetes Month in November, the Federal governments National Eye Institute and the American Academy of Optometry are continuing their efforts to focus upon the importance of yearly-dilated eye exams for people with diabetes. These efforts are part of an ongoing campaign called Dont Lose Sight of Diabetic Eye Disease, sponsored by the National Eye Health Education Program Partnership.

PRK is a refractive surgery that attempts to surgically correct myopia (nearsightedness) at the corneal plane by laser removal of corneal tissue. PRK has been performed since 1992 and is gaining worldwide acceptance.

During their lifetime nearly half of the nations estimated 16 million people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the lightsensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. As many as 25,000 people annually go blind from the disorder, making it a leading cause of blindness among workingage Americans. Diabetic eye disease can be detected through a dilated eye examination, which is recommended at least once a year. If discovered in time, severe vision loss or blindness can be prevented.

Lasik is a laser procedure, which can reshape the surface of the eye in order to reduce the amount of refractive error and is most advantageous for patients who have moderate to high levels of myopia. Documentation and research is available to substantiate the effectiveness of Lasik.

For more information or to learn more about diabetic eye disease call our office or write: National Eye Health Education Program, 2020 Vision Place, Bethesda, MD 20892-3655.

Our doctors will gladly meet with you to discuss laser vision options and answer any questions you may have. If you are a candidate for laser surgery we will refer you to a prominent surgeon for the procedure and comanage all post-operative care with you and the surgeon.

Naper Grove Vision Care

29 S. Webster, Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 555-3511,

5018 Fairview Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515, (630) 555-3268