Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1164054
6 - SENIOR Health Fair - September 11, 2019 Local Lions Clubs offer state-of- the-art diabetic eye screenings A diabetes diagnosis is life-chang- ing. Among other health complications, people with diabetes are vulnerable to complications that can affect their vision. According to the National Eye Insti- tute, an estimated 750,000 Americans have diabetic macular edema, a type of vision loss that is caused in part by too-high blood sugar levels. Macular edema is the buildup of fluid in the retina, the back part of the eye that allows people to see straight ahead. Diabetes can lead to a weakening of the blood vessels throughout the body, including the tiny blood vessels of the retina. Diabetes can affect the retina in various ways, and diabetic retinopathy is the general term used to describe the various ways it can do that. Retinopathy can lead to gradual blur- ring and loss of vision over time. Initial symptoms may go unnoticed. Once vision loss becomes severe, it is impos- sible to reverse. If undetected or left untreated, retinop- athy can ultimately lead to blindness. SCREENING Locally, the Lions Clubs International, in partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), w i l l s o o n b e g i n offering free or low cost retinal screen- ings at eight UAMS clinics around the s t a t e , i n c l u d i n g Fayetteville/Springdale and Fort Smith. A mobile unit is also in the works. This state-of-the-art screening brings together two of the missions of Lions Clubs, diabetes and vision care, says Lions Clubs International Past Coun- cil Chairperson Myrna McGee, who is administrator for the project. "We're thrilled to be able to offer these screenings" says Myrna. "These amazing teleretinal camera devices make screen- ing simple without even dilating some- one's eyes." The special camera takes a picture of the patient's retina. It's a non-invasive process, and regular screenings can liter- ally help save a person's vision. Images from the camera are then electronically sent to and reviewed by UAMS eye doctors trained to spot retina damage. If doctors find damage, patients will be notified and referred to an eye specialist in their area for further treatment. The reason for this new initiative, said Sami Uwaydat, M.D., interim chair of the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, is that only about half of the 350,000 Arkansans with diabetes ever make an appointment with an eye doctor, often because they may live many years with diabetes and don't notice any change to their vision. These screenings are only one of the many services offered to the community by Lions Clubs International. They also provide free eye exams for children, low vision aids, help with diabetes medica- tion and supplies for those who can't afford them. For more information on these newly available diabetic retinopathy screen- ings or any of the other services of Lions Clubs International, visit their booth at the Fall Senior Expo, or contact Myrna McGee at mmcgee610@cox.net or call (479) 633-3881 For information on other services of Lions Clubs International, including help with diabetes medication, call (479) 756-8758 and you will be connected with a pharmacist who can help you. Leave a message at the number, speak plainly and repeat your phone number at least twice so that the person taking the call can understand it, and someone will return your call. BY KAREN RICE NWA DEmoCRAt-GAzEttE