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Diabetes is the leading
cause of blindness in the United States. Eye disease is 25%
more common among people with diabetes than in the general
population. People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes
are susceptible to diabetic retinopathy, which is the
leading cause of eye complications. Since many type 2
diabetics go undiagnosed for years following the onset of
high blood sugars, they already have retinopathy by the time
they see an eye doctor. Consequently, it is recommended that
a patient visit the ophthalmologist within the first year of
diagnosis. Some of these complications seen more prevalently
in the diabetic are senile cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve
damage, vision blurring, and temporary visual changes such
as dimming of vision, bright flashing lights, or double
vision during periods of low blood sugar. Tight blood sugar
control is shown to help prevent eye disease no matter how
long an individual has been a diabetic. The financial
impact for eye diseases due to diabetes is considerable, but
fortunately as much as 90% of vision loss can be prevented
with therapy. Things to remember are that retinopathy many
times occurs without any symptoms and the diabetic is
unaware of problems with the eye until it is too late.
Therefore, treatment, if needed, should be initiated early.
Dr. Thad Labbe, a physician
with Eye Associates of Central Texas, will be the speaker at
the Diabetic Support Group at Johns Community Hospital on
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 from noon to 1 p.m. in the
Education Room at the hospital. Dr. Labbe, who performs eye
surgery weekly at Johns Community Hospital, will explain the
dynamics of eyes and the affect sugar has on their health.
In addition, he will emphasize the importance of blood sugar
control daily as well as prior to surgery. Finally, he
will address the importance of eye care and early physician
intervention for all patients but especially diabetics.
The nutritional services
department will serve an array of healthy foods for the eyes
and the blood sugar including foods high in vitamin A like
yellow and green leafy vegetables, apricots, cantaloupe,
peaches, and even egg yolks.
About Dr.
Thad Labbe:
Dr. Labbe
earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Medical Degree from
Louisiana State University. He then completed a
transitional internship at Austin Medical Education Program
followed by an ophthalmology residency at Case Western
Reserve University School of Medicine. His glaucoma
fellowship was completed at Washington University School of
Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Labbe also served as a clinical
instructor where he taught glaucoma and cataract surgery
techniques to residents. He has presented his clinical
research at national meetings and is the author of three
textbook chapters in internationally recognized textbooks.
Dr. Labbe is board certified by the American Board of
Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Academy of
Ophthalmology and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor
Society. Dr. Labbe specializes in medical and surgical
treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. He also provides
comprehensive eye exams as well as diagnosis and treatment
of medical conditions and diseases of the eye. |
