April 29, 2021
2 min read
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As TP. The vision and wellness connection. Presented at: SECO; Atlanta, Georgia; April 28 – May 2, 2021.
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No relevant financial information is then reported.
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ATLANTA – Lifestyle changes that can prevent or reverse conditions such as obesity and prediabetes are equally important in lowering the associated risks for eye manifestations.
“We’re going to talk about some diseases that can be modified” Tammy P. As, OD, MS, FAAO, said during their SECO presentation. “I’m all for medicine and traditional therapies, but I think we are in control of a lot of things and can talk to our patients about what they can change. We are terribly unhealthy as a country and I think now is the time to change something. “
She discussed three common and often comorbid conditions that can lead to eye complications: obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, and diabetes.
Obstructive sleep apnea has several risk factors that are not easily changed, such as large neck size, large tongue, or narrow palate, but obesity as a risk factor can be controlled. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea can develop floppy eyelid syndrome, along with other serious conditions such as central serous retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and glaucoma.
Because the upper eyelid syndrome flips over easily in floppy eyelid syndrome, patients often complain of eye irritation and even seek out a treatment for dry eye that may be unsuccessful, she said. As added that management is usually somewhat aggressive, including shield or lid tape over night and surgery in severe cases, while weight loss offers a less intrusive treatment.
She also addressed obesity itself. Obesity can increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. While risk factors for obesity are things that are hard to change, like genetics and certain diseases, lifestyle changes, including diet and moderate exercise, can help most patients, she said.
Diabetes can also increase the risk of cataract, retinopathy, and macular edema along with blurred vision. Diet changes are also an essential part of improving type 2 diabetes, Than said. Recognizing the signs of prediabetes with fasting blood sugar and A1C tests is key to prevention.
“Prediabetes is the goal we should have time to talk about with our patients,” Than said. “Or look at your own labs. Are we in a category where I can make some changes and prevent myself from becoming Type 2 diabetic? “
In conclusion, he concluded that diet and exercise can be the most useful tools for preventing ocular manifestations associated with obesity and other diseases often related to weight. She brought the audience to the attention of the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” concept, which recommends activity, healthy eating, and weight loss. the management of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar; and quit smoking for a healthy lifestyle.
“There are things that are genetic, but there are many things that are not genetic,” she said. “The bottom line is that your family history doesn’t have to be your personal destiny because we can change things.”
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