Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates Highlights Diabetes Awareness Month in November

Diabetic Retinopathy Is the Leading Cause of Blindness among Americans

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Diabetes Association has marked November as American Diabetes Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the effects of diabetes to millions of Americans who are diagnosed with this disease every year.

“Every year we see more and more patients who have diabetes and are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which is why it is so important to have comprehensive eye exams to catch these developments at the early stages.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes and even more go undiagnosed.

“Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to other complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and blindness,” said Dr. Mark Lynn, owner and operator of more than 50 Dr. Bizer’s VisionWorld, Dr. Bizer’s ValuVision, Doctor’s ValuVision and EyeMasters locations in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri and Georgia. “Every year we see more and more patients who have diabetes and are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which is why it is so important to have comprehensive eye exams to catch these developments at the early stages.”

Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness for adults; many of those cases are the result of advanced diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the result of damage to the blood vessels in and around the retina. The vessels leak blood and other fluids causing swelling of the retinal tissue which leads to blurred vision, dark or empty spots in vision and even complete vision loss.

According to the American Diabetes Association, all individuals living with diabetes – type-1 and type-2 – are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Studies show men are slightly more prone to developing diabetes, with 11.8 percent of all men over the age of 20 having diabetes. The African American community is also at greater risk with 12.6 percent of non-Hispanic blacks suffering with diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam, including eye dilation. Recent advancements in eye dilation now allow patients to have their eyes dilated without the sometimes painful drops. The Optomap Retinal Exam is a low-powered scanning laser that takes a digital scan of the retina, capturing more than 80 percent of the retina at one time and providing a much larger view of the back of the eye. The scan provides a panoramic view of the retina and is available immediately for review with your doctor. The scan will also become part of a patient’s permanent medical record for future comparison and diagnosing of eye care health such as diabetic retinopathy.

While diabetic retinopathy is the leading eye health concern for patients with diabetes, individuals with diabetes could also develop macular edema (blurry vision), retinal detachment or cataracts.

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of routine eye exams,” said Dr. Lynn. “If caught in the early stages, diabetic retinopathy and other eye disease can be successfully treated. A simple visit to your local optometrist could potentially save your vision.”

To learn more about diabetes or to take a risk test, visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.

About Dr. Mark Lynn and Associates PLLC

Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates PLLC, or Mark Lynn O.D. & Associates PC, owns and/or operates more than 50 Dr. Bizer’s Vision World, Dr. Bizer’s ValuVision, Doctor’s ValuVision and EyeMasters offices in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri and Georgia. Offering high-quality designer and exclusive brand frames, lenses, contact lenses, accessories, sunglasses and the leading technology in vision correction at competitive prices. In addition, nearly all our stores provide one-hour service on most prescriptions by utilizing on-site processing laboratories. For more information visit, www.drbizersvisionworld.com or www.drbizersvaluvision.com

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