Dear Patient,
I’m combining information about dry eye and diabetes in this newsletter.
Dr. Staton and I attended a Dry Eye Lecture and Workshop at UC Berkeley School of Optometry last month. We have been testing wetting drops, lid cleansers, heat masks and other products for dry eye treatment. Dry eye complaints are so common, we are developing a dry eye clinic on Thursdays.
November is diabetes awareness month. Diabetes can have profound effects on the eyes. I want to take this opportunity to remind you that if you have diabetes, schedule your annual dilated eye exam.
Karen Griffith
(707)762-8643
drgriffith@westsideoptometry.net
Westside Optometry
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Dry Eye 
In the normal eye, the components of healthy tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, Meibomian glands and goblet cells. The tear film serves to lubricate the eye, protect the eye from infection and maintain high optical clarity for good vision. Dry eye disease describes a group of conditions that results from insufficient wetting by tears on the surface of the eye. People with dry eyes can experience symptoms like stinging, redness, fluctuating vision, and a gritty or sandy sensation. Let us help you treat and manage your dry eye disease.
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Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic retinopathy is is the number 1 cause of new cases of blindness for adults 20-70 years old. Some of the problems that develop in the eye due to diabetes include abnormal blood vessel growth, hemorrhages and lipid leakage. If these problems are allowed to continue without treatment they will cause scarring which leads to detachment of the retina. Another complication is the leakage of fluid under the macula which will severely reduce vision.
Not all these conditions will have symptoms. Only when the bleeding or fluids reach a certain size will you notice blur or dark spots. The earlier changes in the retina are detected, the better treatment results will be. Schedule a dilated eye examination at least once a year.
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November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes is a chronic, complex and destructive disease that can cause a wide range of problems including heart disease, kidney failure, amputations and blindness. Both types of chronic diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 are serious diseases, and can lead to the same kind of complications. People with diabetes can take several steps to stay well. Most important are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining close control of blood sugar levels, and learning as much as possible about living with diabetes. By taking care of yourself through diet, exercise and special medications, diabetes can be controlled.
Fast Facts
Studies show that women are more likely to develop dry eye, especially during menopause.
The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop Diabetic Retinopathy which can lead to blindness.
Eating carrots won’t make you see better, but the beta-carotene found in carrots and many other vegetables can boost your eye health.
Dr. Karen Griffith is the primary
optometrist and owner of Westside Optometry. She has been in practice since 1988.
Westside Optometry is located at 320 Petaluma Blvd. South
in Petaluma.
(707) 762-8643
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