In This Issue: November 2023
- Happy Thanksgiving
- Regular Eye Exams are Important for Diabetics
- Why is Pink Eye So Prevalent?
- Thank You, Veterans
Happy Thanksgiving
During this season of gratitude, we would like to extend our thanks to you for being a valued patient at our practice and for trusting us with your eye care. May your Thanksgiving season be filled with love, laughter, good health and moments of reflection on everything good in your life. Please know we are always here to support you on your eye health journey.
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
If you are a type 1 or type 2 diabetic, you are at risk of developing
diabetic retinopathy (DR). This is a serious eye disease that damages the blood vessels in the retina (the back of the eye) due to elevated blood sugar levels over an extended period of time.
DR often has no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, you may start to develop:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Floaters (dark spots or strings in your vision)
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Changes in color perception
Regular diabetic eye exams are critical for detecting this disease early so treatment can be administered to preserve your vision. Contact us today at (702) 996-5159 to schedule a diabetic eye exam!
Why is Pink Eye So Prevalent?
Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus still exists. In fact, experts think that the increased prevalence of conjunctivitis (pink eye) in children and adults may be due to COVID. According to Scientific American, “Some variants of the virus can cause more eye problems than others – it just depends on the mutations in the virus’s spike protein that make it bond more strongly to cells in the eye.”
Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear mucous membrane covering the white part of your eye and inside your eyelids). This can cause the eyes to become red, watery, itchy, painful and sensitive to light. If you or your child develops the symptoms of pink eye, it might be advisable to take a COVID test and contact your eye doctor to schedule an eye exam – especially if you are having thick yellow discharge in your eyes (which would signify a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics).
Remember: pink eye is highly contagious so avoid touching your eyes, wash your hands often, avoid physical contact with others and don’t share things like hand towels.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of pink eye, contact us at (702) 996-5159 to schedule an eye exam!
Thank You, Veterans
Veteran’s Day is November 11, 2023. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the courageous individuals who have served in the armed forces. We thank you for your service, your sacrifices and your unwavering commitment to protecting our country.
