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Diabetes and Your Eyes: Why Regular Eye Care Matters

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:11:31 GMT

Diabetes and Your Eyes: Why Regular Eye Care Matters

By: Judi Seltzer, MS, BSN,RN, CNOR, Director of Operations, Lions Saving Sight

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar, but many people do not realize how much it can impact their vision. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to serious eye problems that may cause permanent vision loss if not treated early. Understanding the connection between diabetes and eye health is important for protecting your sight.

One of the most common eye conditions caused by diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye responsible for detecting light and sending signals to the brain. In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why many people do not realize they have it. As the condition progresses, it can lead to blurred vision, dark spots, and even blindness if left untreated.

The disease develops in two main stages. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the first stage, characterized by weakened blood vessel walls and early fluid leaks. If left untreated, NPDR can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In this later stage, abnormal new blood vessels grow in the eye, bleed easily, and can lead to scar tissue.

The biggest challenge with a diabetes-related eye disease is that damage can occur long before symptoms appear. Regular eye exams allow an eye doctor to detect early signs of disease and begin treatment before vision is affected. Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to prevent permanent vision loss.

Managing diabetes carefully is one of the best ways to protect your eyes. Keeping blood sugar levels under control helps reduce stress on the blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels also plays an important role in preventing complications. People with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year, even if their vision seems normal. These exams allow the eye doctor to see the retina clearly and check for any signs of damage that cannot be detected during a basic vision screening. If changes are found early,treatments such as medication, laser therapy, or minor procedures can often slow or stop the progression of the disease.

Your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body, and diabetes can affect them in ways you may not notice right away. Taking diabetes seriously, following your doctor’s recommendations, and scheduling regular eye exams can make a significant difference in preserving your vision for years to come.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:07:40 GMT

YAG Laser Capsulotomy: Restoring Vision Again After Cataract Surgery

By: Judi Seltzer, MS, BSN,RN, CNOR, Director of Operations, Lions Saving Sight

After cataract surgery, most patients enjoy clearer vision and it’s very successful. However, months or even years later, some people notice their vision becoming cloudy again. This condition is known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO), also known as secondary cataracts. It’s one of the most common side effects after cataract surgery. Fortunately, YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a quick (often minutes), safe, and highly-effective treatment that restores your vision without the need to undergo another surgery.

During standard cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The thin membrane that holds the new lens in place, called the posterior capsule, is left intact to support the implant. Over time, this capsule can become cloudy causing vision to appear blurry, hazy, or dim. Many patients describe the symptoms as similar to having a cataract again, even though the cataract has already been removed during surgery.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a simple laser procedure used to correct this problem. Once the eye is numbed and dilated with drops, a specialized laser creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through clearly to the retina. The procedure is painless, does not require incisions, and usually takes only a few minutes to complete. Most patients notice an improvement in vision very quickly, often within the same day.

One of the main advantages of YAG Laser Capsulotomy is that it requires little to no recovery time. Patients typically return to normal activities right away, and complications are rare. Your eye doctor may check your eye pressure afterward to ensure everything is healing properly. Because the cloudy capsule is permanently opened, the condition usually does not come back.

If you have had cataract surgery and are experiencing blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing clearly again, this treatment may be the solution. An eye exam can determine whether posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the cause of your symptoms and whether laser treatment is recommended. Early evaluation can help restore your vision quickly and prevent frustration with daily activities such as reading, driving, or using a computer or your phone.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is considered the standard treatment for cloudy vision after cataract surgery and has helped millions of patients regain sharp, clear sight. With its fast treatment time, high success rate, and minimal downtime, it remains one of the most effective and trusted procedures in modern eye care. If your vision has become cloudy over time after cataract surgery, scheduling an eye evaluation is the first step toward seeing clearly again.

The Silent Thief of Sight: Understanding Glaucoma

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:28:25 GMT

The Silent Thief of Sight: Understanding Glaucoma

Learn how glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, develops and discover what youcan do to safeguard your vision.

By: Judi Seltzer, MS, BSN,RN, CNOR, Director of Operations, Lions Saving Sight

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and the second most common cause after cataracts. In 2020, around 76 million people had glaucoma, and this number could rise to 112 million by 2040, according to research in Ophthalmology. In the United States, approximately 4.22 million adults have glaucoma, and nearly half are unaware they are affected. People in low-income and underserved communities are at higher risk because they often cannot access the care they need, so the disease may go unnoticed until vision becomes severely impaired.

What Is Glaucoma

Glaucoma is not a single disease. It refers to a group of eye conditions that harm the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain and allows us to see. This damage usually happens when the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), gets too high. If eye fluid doesn't drain properly, pressure increases and slowly damages the sensitive nerve fibers.

The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is less common and occurs suddenly, requiring prompt medical attention. Other types include normal-tension glaucoma, in which damage

occurs even without high pressure, and secondary glaucoma, caused by other health issues.

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible. Once the optic nerve is damaged, vision cannot be restored. This is why early detection of glaucoma is so crucial.

Who Is at Greatest Risk?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some people have a higher risk. Knowing these risk factors can help you protect your vision.

• Age: People over 60 are at a significantly higher risk, and those over 80 face the greatest danger.

• Family history: Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma significantly raises your risk.

• The Glaucoma Research Foundation reports that African Americans are 6 to 8 times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than white Americans. Hispanic and Latino people are also at a higher risk.

• High intraocular pressure: Even without symptoms, increased eye pressure is a serious warning sign.

• History of eye injuries or surgeries

• Certain medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are all connected to an increased risk of glaucoma.

Symptoms: Why "Silent" Is So Dangerous

One of the most harmful aspects of open-angle glaucoma is that it rarely shows early signs. Vision loss begins at the edges and gradually moves inward, so slowly that your brain adjusts, and you don’t notice until the damage becomes severe. By the time your central vision is affected, the loss is significant and irreversible.

Some warning signs that might signal acute or advanced glaucoma include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision

• Tunnel vision in later stages

• Sudden eye pain or pressure (acute angle closure)

• Intense eye pain can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting

• Blurred vision and halos around lights

• Redness of the eye

Since early glaucoma doesn't cause symptoms, only a thorough dilated eye exam can detect it. Regular eye checkups are essential, not just a good idea.

Can Glaucoma Be Treated?

Vision lost from glaucoma cannot be restored, but treatment can slow or stop the disease from getting worse. The main goal is to reduce eye pressure and protect the remaining healthy optic nerve.

Treatments for glaucoma include prescription eye drops, pills, laser procedures, and surgeries to lower eye pressure. The Global Burden of Disease 2021 study warns that without better screening and treatment, nearly 12 million people could become blind from glaucoma by 2050, even though it can often be prevented. Regular checkups and care help many preserve their vision for life. Early diagnosis is crucial.

Getting regular eye exams is the most effective way to detect glaucoma early. Nothing else is as reliable.

The Equity Crisis in Glaucoma Care

Glaucoma often impacts communities that already face barriers to healthcare. African Americans tend to develop glaucoma at a younger age, progress faster, and are much more likely to go blind, mostly due to limited access to eye care or resources. Many at risk never get the eye exam that could detect glaucoma early and prevent permanent damage. This leads to a preventable health crisis in Florida and across the country.

Lions Saving Sight: One Person at a Time

Lions Saving Sight knows that treatment only works if people can access it. Our goal is clear: no one should lose their sight because they can't afford care. We work with experienced eye surgeons to help those in need of vision care. If you know someone at risk for glaucoma or needing eye surgery but can't pay, please reach out to us. If you can support our mission, your donation helps fund life-changing procedures.

Protecting Your Vision: Steps to Take Today

• Schedule a thorough dilated eye exam, especially if you’re over 40 or have risk factors.

• Know your family health history and talk about it with your eye care provider.

• If your doctor prescribes glaucoma medication, take it exactly as directed. Following your treatment carefully is the best way to protect your vision.

• Increase awareness in your community, especially among older adults and high-risk groups.

• Support Lions Saving Sight. You can make a difference by donating or volunteering to help bridge the access gap and ensure more people get the eye care they need. This work helps restore dignity, independence, and opportunity." — Lions Saving Sight

Goniotomy: A Vision-Saving Procedure For Glaucoma

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:17:20 GMT

Goniotomy: A Vision-Saving Procedure For Glaucoma

By: Judi Seltzer, MS, BSN,RN, CNOR, Director of Operations, Lions Saving Sight

Goniotomy is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure mainly used to treat congenital glaucoma (or, in other words, infants who were born with it) and pediatric glaucoma. Although a treatment usually seen for children, it is now increasingly used for mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, sometimes combined with cataract surgery to reduce medication dependency. Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that happens when there is increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to optic nerve damage, vision impairment, and even permanent blindness if left untreated. Goniotomy is designed to improve the eye’s natural drainage system, helping to lower pressure and preserve vision. Early diagnosis is important to guarantee long-term visual health.

The procedure focuses on the trabecular meshwork, which is part of the eye’s drainage angle. In a healthy eye, natural fluid flows through this meshwork and drains properly, maintaining normal eye pressure. In some forms of glaucoma, this drainage system does not function correctly. Fluid builds up, causing pressure to rise as well as pain. During a goniotomy, the surgeon uses a specialized surgical instrument to create a small opening in the trabecular meshwork. This allows fluid to drain more effectively, reducing intraocular pressure. Using a surgical microscope and a special lens to view the drainage angle clearly, the surgeon carefully makes a precise incision in the abnormal tissue. The procedure itself is delicate but relatively quick, and no additional anesthesia aside from the cataract surgery is needed.

One of the major advantages of goniotomy is that it addresses the underlying drainage problem directly. It is an ideal procedure for patients with open-angle pseudoexfoliation or secondary glaucoma. In fact, it is estimated that patients will see a 20% to 30% reduction in pressure, allowing patients to minimize glaucoma drops. When performed alongside cataract removal, visualization of the angle is improved. Serious complications are relatively uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced ophthalmic surgeon. Patients usually go home the same day, as postoperative care typically involves the use of medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, along with regular follow-up visits to monitor eye pressure and the healing process.

In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary if eye pressure remains high; however, goniotomy surgery serves as an alternative to more invasive procedures such as a trabeculectomy. Goniotomy may be repeated or combined with other glaucoma surgeries, depending on the patient, with studies indicating a 92% success rate. Patient vision usually returns quickly, with recovery estimated to be about six weeks. Timely diagnosis with a surgical intervention are critical factor in achieving the best possible visual outcomes.

Goniotomy remains an important and effective surgical option in the management of both pediatric and adult glaucoma. By restoring the eye’s natural drainage system and reducing intraocular pressure, this procedure plays a vital role in protecting vision and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Restoring The Retina: Understanding Retina Surgery

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:25:49 GMT

Restoring The Retina: understanding retina surgery

By: Judi Seltzer, MS, BSN,RN,CNOR, Director of Operations, Lions Saving Sight

If you were planning on cataract surgery only to discover that your cataract surgeon has referred you to a retina specialist for a retina exam before the cataract surgery, you are not alone. This is sometimes recommended to rule out any preexisting abnormalities, such as previous retina tears or detachment, or even if you have been diagnosed with myopia, known as nearsightedness. High myopia, when the eye is longer than normal, increases the risk of retinal complications. Some beneficiaries have been referred for retina exams due to dense cataracts, making visualization of the retina difficult. These retina exams are important to ensure your eye care surgery is being met to provide the best outcomes and maintain good eye health. You have had your exams, and now the retina specialist tells you that you need retina surgery. What now?

Retina surgery is most often needed to provide care for conditions that affect the back of the eye. This includes retina tears, detachment, and diabetic retinopathy.

For now, let’s focus on two common retinal surgeries- Vitrectomy and Scleral Buckle.

The vitrectomy procedure involves removing the clear jelly-like vitreous gel that normally fills the eye. This gel is replaced with air, gas, a silicon solution, or a saline solution. Your retina specialist will make that determination. Once the gel is removed, the retina specialist will have better access and proceed to repair your retina. Keep in mind that if silicone was injected, it will need to be removed in an additional procedure in about three months.

A scleral buckle procedure is one in which the retina specialist places a band around the eye. This treatment can be used to treat retinal detachments since the band repositions the affected retina back so that it is in contact with the wall of your eye. Sometimes, both a vitrectomy and a scleral buckle are performed, depending on the needs of the beneficiary.

After your retina surgery, you may experience some blurry vision, with continued flashes and floaters for several weeks. Keep in mind that recovery is different for every beneficiary. While recovery is usually about 2-3 weeks for retina surgery, for some, it may take months or even years before full vision is achieved.

To get yourself on the road to recovery after retina surgery, it is important for you to follow your post-operative guidelines given to you by your retina specialist. Some standard postoperative guidelines include: administering eye drops for three weeks, managing a downward head position, and avoiding strenuous activities for one week. Keep in mind, your retina specialist may determine other needed post-operative guidelines for you as well.

Remember, for surgical procedures, timing is everything. Your surgeon may recommend waiting at least three to six months or longer before scheduling cataract surgery. This amount of time will allow the retina to fully heal, and if you had a retinal detachment repair, reduce the risk of another detachment. Sometimes, cataract surgery and silicone removal are done at the same time, particularly if the oil is no longer needed and your lenses are very clouded, affecting your overall vision. Once again, follow your surgeon’s advice to determine the best approach for you.

What We Know Now: Understanding Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:45:54 GMT

What We Know Now: Understanding Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

By: Judi Seltzer, MS, BSN, RN, CNOR, Director of Operations, Lions Saving Sight

As we age, changes in our vision will occur, but one of the most common (and painless) and treatable conditions affecting eyesight today is cataracts. Decades ago, cataracts were seen as an expected part of aging that led to permanent vision loss. Today, with advanced surgical techniques and innovative lens technology, cataract treatment has become one of the safest and most successful procedures. Understanding what cataracts are, how they develop, and what can be done about them can help you protect your eyesight.

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens, which sits just behind the iris, focuses light onto the retina to create sharp images. Over time, the proteins within the lens begin to clump together, forming a haze that prevents light from passing through clearly. The result is blurry, dim, or distorted vision. Many people first notice that colors appear faded or yellowed, or that they have increasing trouble seeing at night. Others experience sensitivity to bright lights, halos around headlights, or frequent changes in their eyeglass prescription. In the early stages, cataracts may not significantly interfere with daily activities, and stronger lighting or updated eyeglass prescriptions can help manage symptoms. However, as the cataract progresses and vision becomes more impaired, surgery becomes the best treatment option. Modern cataract surgery is a highly refined outpatient procedure that has transformed millions of lives by restoring clear vision safely and efficiently.

There is a simple cataract surgery and a complex cataract surgery, and the difference lies primarily in the difficulty of the procedure. During the complex surgery, it’s more involved and depends on your eye condition. During standard cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens functions just like the natural one but remains permanently clear. The procedure is quick, typically lasting less than 30 minutes, and is performed under local anesthesia, meaning beneficiaries are awake but comfortable. Advances in technology have made the process even more precise, allowing for faster recovery and reduced risk of complications.

Recovery from cataract surgery is typically smooth and straightforward. Most people notice improved vision within a day or two, with full healing occurring over several weeks. Eye drops are prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, and beneficiaries are advised to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting during the early healing period. With proper care, the results are long-lasting; many people enjoy sharper, brighter vision for the rest of their lives.

Cataracts are not something to fear; in fact, they are a common and treatable condition that can be addressed with remarkable success. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and monitoring, especially after age 60. Cataract surgery techniques are advancing and evolving.