TOTAL EYE CARE

Welcome to “Eyecare Update”! The goal of this column is to educate the Bridgeport community on conditions of the eye and how to prevent the loss of our precious sight. On January 2, 2010, it will be ten years that I have been practicing ophthalmology in the Bridgeport community. I have always enjoyed teaching. In the past, I have lectured to groups overseas while on medical missions or locally in the neighborhood. I have also taught ophthalmology residents at the University of Illinois, where I am currently on staff. I also try to give back to the community through my service on the board of the Chicago Blind Service Association and the Advisory Council for the Chicago Lighthouse. In my neighborhood practice, Lotus Eyecare, I strive to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Education and answering patients’ questions are a top priority. Additionally, I try to impart my passion for nutrition, teaching my patients how to maintain the health of their eyes through specific targeted dietary recommendations. Lastly, I use state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment in order to provide the best care possible for my patients. My areas of greatest expertise include the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts and glaucoma.


DIABETES DRUG MAY THREATEN VISION

Patients taking glitazones, a new class of drug that specifically targets insulin resistance, should be careful to note that they may be at increased risk for diabetic macular edema (DME), a vision-threatening complication. According to recent research involving diabetic patients with DME, those taking glitazones, including pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, were 2.6 times more likely to develop DMA than those not taking the drugs. Thus, diabetics taking any one of this class of drugs are strongly advised to inform their ophthalmologists that they are doing so. Diabetic macular edema is characterized by swelling in the central portion of the retina due to leaking of fluid from blood vessels. Blurring in the middle (and periphery) of the visual field results.

This column about specific drugs for diabetics has been brought to you in the interest of better eye heath. At LOTUS EYECARE, we stress preventive health care for the entire family. When is the last time you or any of your family members had a thorough eye examination? We’re located at 3303 S. Halsted, Suite 200, where we will discuss all the available options with you. We’re currently accepting new patients and welcome you to call 773.376.2020 to schedule an appointment. We provide professional and personalized eye care for the entire family.

P.S. Diabetic macular edema is divided into two types, focal and diffuse, each of which responds to a different type of laser treatment.