November is Juvenile Diabetes Month. Dr. Alan Wagner explains diabetic retinopathy.

Oct. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- November is Juvenile Diabetes Awareness Month, and for many children problems with vision can be an indicator of Type One diabetes. States Alan L. Wagner, MD, FACS of Wagner Macula and Retina Center, “Many children experience diabetic retinopathy.  Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to blood vessels of the retina—the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye, which changes light and images that enter the eye into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.”  There are signs of diabetic retinopathy that a parent should look for when a child has Type One diabetes.
Juvenile Diabetes related Vision Problems:

1.    Vision Blurs

This can be caused by high blood sugar levels, which can cause vision changes throughout the day.

2.    Floaters or Dark Spots

 Leaking vessels in the eye can cause black spots in vision.  This indication of diabetic retinopathy can be treated with lasers.

3.    Vision Loss

Vision loss can be an indicator of swelling which can affect the macula, the portion of the eye responsible for clear vision.

  Dr. Wagner helps families whose children have diabetic retinopathy.  He strongly urges parents to listen to their children as they describe their symptoms.  He states, “If a child complains, it is important to schedule an appointment.   Everyone with diabetes should have regular eye exams. Having more severe diabetes for a longer period of time increases the chance of getting retinopathy.”    Wagner Macula and Retina Center is proud to be a part of Juvenile Diabetes Research in network.   For more information, log onto www.WagnerRetina.com. To schedule an appointment, call 757-481-4400.

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