Quiz – An Eyeful Problem

Diabetes can damage blood vessels, including the tiny ones in your retina. The retina is the part of the eye that detects light and converts it into neural signals for the brain. Diabetic retinopathy—caused by changes in the affected vessels—can lead to blurry or double vision, floating spots, and in some cases, blindness. See why and what can be done by taking our quiz:

1. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

1. True
2. False
   

2. People with diabetes can lose vision because the blood vessels in their retinas:

1. Swell
2. Leak fluid
3. Grow abnormally over the surface
4. All of the above
   

3. One treatment of diabetic retinopathy requires an injection into the eye.

1. True
2. False
   

4. Detailed images of the retina can be obtained through a test called ____.

1. Visual acuity
2. Tonometry
3. Ophthalmoscopy
4. Fluorescein angiography
5. Optical coherence tomography, or OCT
   

5. The risk for diabetic retinopathy rises for people with diabetes if they also ____.

1. Smoke
2. Have high blood pressure
3. Are pregnant
4. All of the above
   

6. If you are managing your diabetes well and can see fine, you don’t need a yearly eye exam.

1. True
2. False
   

Answers

1. A. True. But patient can reduce their risk and slow the disease’s progression. 

2. D. All of the above. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.

3. A. True. Certain chemicals can be injected into the eye to slow the growth of the abnormal vessels. Laser surgery is another option depending on the severity. 

4. E. OCT. This test is like an ultrasound but uses light waves instead of sound waves to capture images of tissues that can be penetrated by light. 

5. D. All of the above.  Women with diabetes should have an eye exam before pregnancy or in the first trimester. 

6. B. False. Diabetic retinopathy may not cause vision changes until the disease worsens. Anyone with diabetes needs a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Source: The Health Library

The Center for Diabetes Management recently received full recognition from the Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP). The DPRP recognizes providers through its National Diabetes Prevention Program, which is led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only six other providers in the state of Georgia have achieved full recognition status. To learn more about how our program may help you manage your diabetes, call 912-819-6416.