Diabetic Retinopathy is the damaged retina that is closely associated with diabetes. It’s more likely to occur in those who have had diabetes for a long time. With each year of living with the disease the risk factors go up. It is preventable with early detection though.

In the beginning stages if Diabetic Retinopathy there aren’t really any symptoms other the some occasion blurry vision. As the disease progresses other symptoms may appear:

• Dark spots
• Blurred vision on a more regular basis
• Poor color perception
• Vision loss

There are three types of treatment for this condition:

• Laser surgery is the first option. It’s used to slow vision loss by reducing the retina’s demand for oxygen. It’s used to prevent further damage, but is not a cure for Diabetic Retinopathy.
• The second treatment option is corticosteroid injections. Though these can also slow the process of vision loss down, steroids can present other eye problems, so these should be used with caution.
• Virectomy is the third option. This is the process of removing the clear gel in the eye and replacing it with a saline solution.

The main causes of Diabetic Retinopathy are the sugar spikes and poor blood sugar from consuming high fructose foods and not controlling diabetes. Managing diabetes is the key to preventing Diabetic Retinopathy. This means increasing fiber, grains and protein, balancing carbohydrate intake, getting exercise, reducing fat intake and losing weight. Controlling diabetes is the key to preventing blindness.

Cancer of the eye, ocular melanoma, occurs in the uvea, which is behind the retina. It’s difficult to diagnose because it can’t be seen on the outer layer of the eye. It begins in the pigmentation cells that are responsible for the color of hair, skin, and eyes.

Though they can’t be seen, there are some symptoms that can be cause for concern:

• Developing a dark growth
• Seeing flashing lights
• Noticing pupil changes
• Having poor vision in one eye
• Loss of side vision
• Seeing floaters
• Watering eyes
• Having a moderate level of pain

Also regular eye exams are necessary for those at higher risk. That includes people who have a combination of the following:

• Light colored eyes
• Caucasian
• Elderly
• Have a skin disorder
• Have been exposed to UV light from tanning beds

Ocular melanoma is an aggressive cancer that grows quickly. Early detection is key to saving the eye. Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the size of the growth. Smaller ones can be removed through surgery. It can also be treated with radiation, laser treatment, or cryotherapy to kill the cancer cells.

Larger growths can be more problematic. Surgery may be required to replace the entire eye with an implant. In these cases, which are rare, patients are still high functioning and rely more on the good eye.

When limited to the eye, melanoma has a high survival rate. According to Melanoma.org, “6 people per 1 million are diagnosed with ocular melanoma in the U.S. Every year.”

Presbyopia is a gradual loss of the ability to see things close up. It happens naturally to almost everyone as they age. The risk of getting presbyopia is higher and premature in those who are farsighted, have diabetes, or have heart disease. Taking prescription medicines such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or diuretics also increases the risk of getting it earlier than normal.

What happens is the lens on the outer part of the eye hardens with aging, as sure as people get wrinkles and gray hairs. The lens loses some of it’s elasticity and it changes how the light is refracted. The condition commonly starts in the mid to late 40’s and gets worse well into the 60’s.

Though treatment isn’t always necessary, there are three common treatments that are used for presbyopia:

• Corrective lenses, which can include bifocals or trifocals
• Refractive surgery
• Replacing the natural lens with a synthetic one

Aside from these treatments, there are some things that can be done at home. The first line of defense is to pay close attention to eye sight and note any changes in vision. Have regular eye exams to promote early detection and device a treatment plan. Also be sure to control symptoms of diabetes, avoid too much exposure to the sun, and use bright lighting in the home.

Also pay close attention to diet and overall health. Increasing antioxidants, beta carotene, and vitamin A to protect eye health and maintain clear vision for as long as possible.

The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are known for improving and maintaining heart health, but they are helpful with vision problems as well. It’s said that fish oil improves fluid in retina cells, therefore, preventing retina detachment and slowing retinopathy.

There are three types of omega’s:

• ALA – Alpha-Linolenic Acid is found in plant oils, such as walnuts, soybeans, and olive oil.
• DHA – Docosahexaenoic Acid is found is fish oil. The easiest way to get it is to supplement with krill oil.
• EPA – Eicosapentaenoic Acid is also found in fish oil.

Don’t confuse omega-3’s and omega-6’s. While cutting back on heart-clogging omega-6 fatty acids, experts advise on increase omega-3 fatty acids because they are the “good” fats. These good fats promote heart heath and protect vision.

Omega-3 fatty acids work to reduce chronic inflammation, promote normal retinal functioning, treats dry eyes, reduces pain, turns light into energy, and prevents oxidant damage. Much like it works for preventing heart disease, omega-3’s are able to maintain healthy blood vessels in the eyes.

The main sources of omega-3 include:

• Fish
• Leafy vegetables
• Avocados
• Legumes
• Flax
• Oils

These days, many foods are enhanced with omega-3’s. Supplementation is another option for increasing good fats, but just any over-the-counter omega-3 won’t be sufficient. They vary in the amount of DHA and EPA and can contain other vitamins as well. Read labels careful and make sure that it has a minimum of 600 mg DHA for best results.

Most of us don’t start to experience problems with our vision until we are older. Therefore, we might not think it necessary to take our children to see an eye doctor until they are also a bit older. However, just like with their physical or mental health, eye health is an important part of overall wellness, and children should have regular screenings to ensure that their eyes are healthy and that there are no signs of visual deficiency or other more serious problems.