Eye Physicians & Surgeons
in New Bern, North Carolina

252.514.2155   New Bern Office

The Eye and Systemic Diseases

Diabetes Mellitus  

Hypertension   

AIDS  

Thyroid Eye Disease  

Multiple Sclerosis

The eye is often referred to as a "window to the body." Though we cannot necessarily make definitive medical diagnoses, we can help diagnose and treat, if necessary, ocular manifestations of systemic diseases.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes can be a major cause of visual loss or blindness, from recurrent hemorrhages in the retina. Diabetic risk factors include (1) the number of years of diabetes, (2) the need for insulin and (3) poor control. There is no test to determine if a diabetic patient is at risk to develop diabetic retinopathy. We strongly recommend annual eye exams. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated in the office with laser photocoagulation of leaching vessels, but needs early diagnosis for best results.

Hypertension

Well-controlled blood pressure will not significantly affect the eyes. However, uncontrolled blood pressure can cause retinal hemorrhages or swelling of the optic nerve. We stress the need for regular blood pressure checks and close monitoring if there is a tendency for significant evaluation.

AIDS

AIDS can cause internal inflammation or can be associated with mild to very severe vision-threatening internal infections. Those with active AIDS need regular eye checks.

Thyroid Eye Disease

This disease process causes inflammatory tissue infiltration of the orbit and/or extra-ocular muscles. This is most commonly associated with a hyperthyroid (overactive) state, but can be associated with hypothyroid (underactive) disease also. Depending on the severity of involvement of the eye, oral steroids, radiotherapy or orbital surgery may be needed.

Multiple Sclerosis

Often, particularly in young women, one of the first symptoms of this disease is optic neuritis, with rapid blurred vision and swelling of the optic nerve. This requires early neurological evaluation.

These are but a few of the many systemic diseases that can affect the eye.

At Davidson Eye Clinic, we recommend routine exams and ask that our patients report any new systemic changes so we can coordinate care with their internist.

252.514.2155  Email: eyedoctor@davidsoneyeclinic.com

Email is for information purposes only.
Call our office for appointments and eye care emergencies.