8/7/2014
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From: Buchanan Optometrists ([email protected])
Sent: Thursday, 7 August 2014 10:27:50 a.m.
To: [email protected]
Do you know what the leading cause of poor vision and blindness is
amongst working age adults?
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy often has no early warning signs. So please, if you or someone you know
has diabetes, ensure they get their eyes checked at least every two years to detect any changes
to their eyes.
This newsletter explains what diabetic retinopathy is and what you can do to reduce your
risk. Buchanan Optometrists installed a Zeiss OCT machine in 2012, which enables us to scan
the eye for early signs of diabetic retinopathy. The condition can not be cured, but it can be
slowed.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
The light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye is called the retina. A healthy retina is required for
good vision. Diabetes can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, which is
called diabetic retinopathy. At first there may be no noticeable changes to the person's vision if
they have diabetic retinopathy. But over time, the retinopathy can get worse and eventually cause
vision loss or blindness if left untreated. A recent study from Indiana University found the blood
vessel damage occurs very early on - " we had not expected to see such striking changes to the
retinas at such early stages...There was damage spread widely across the retina, including
changes to blood vessels that were not thought to occur until the more advance disease
states". Read more..
INDEPENDENT
We recommend lenses
and frames which are
personalised to your
needs, and are in no way
influenced by other
financial pressures. We
have no obligation to refer
to any particular allied
health professional, if
required, and if so will
discuss with you your
preferences.
QUALITY
We aim to provide a
service and product which
we would want to receive.
Each product is rigorously
checked prior to issue to
ensure that it is of a high
standard.
EYE CARE
Through our website,
newsletter and Facebook
page, we explain common
eye conditions to help you
be informed participants in
your eye care. Our
optometrists attend
professional training to be
informed of the most
current testing, treatment
and management
approaches.
www.buchananoptometrists.co.nz
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OUR STAFF:
Catherine
Optometrist
Karen
Clinic
Manager
Liz
Optical
Assistant
Book An Appointment
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
1. Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy - microaneurysms develop, which are small areas of
balloon-like swelling in the tiny blood vessels of the retina
2. Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy - as the disease progresses, some vessels that
supply blood to the retina can leak fluid or become blocked
3. Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy - many more blood vessels leak fluid and become
blocked. Consequently several areas of the retina do not get enough blood supply. This
causes signals to be sent prompting new blood vessels to be grown in order to maintain
nourishment
4. Proliferative Retinopathy - at this advanced stage, the signals sent by the retina for
nourishment cause the growth of new blood vessels. These new blood vessels are
abnormal and fragile, making them prone to haemorrhage (blood leakage), which may
lead to severe vision loss and even blindness
Petra
Optical
Assistant
Ian
Optometrist
and Owner
'LIKE' us on
Facebook
for weekly updates of
special offers,
recommended
treatments for eye
conditions,
and new styles in stock
Book An Appointment
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What can I do?
Have regular eye checks
If you experience any symptoms, ie. blurred or distorted vision, or floating spots, come and
see us as soon as you can
Maintain control of your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipids, by:
Following a healthy diet
​
Regular light exercise
Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor
Early detection and a healthy lifestyle can significantly slow down progression of the
disease. Read more
This e-mail was sent to you only because your e-mail address, [email protected] is on the Buchanan
Optometrists mailing list. We strive to only send e-mail to those who want to receive it.
If you would not like to receive future e-mails from us, click here to unsubscribe or reply to this email with the
subject line "Unsubscribe"
This is an email from Buchanan Optometrists, Level 1, Riccarton C linic, 4 Yaldhurst Rd, Upper Riccarton,
C hristchurch New Zealand. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call
+64 3 341 4850
C opyright © 2014 -Buchanan Optometrists, All Rights Reserved
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