Diabetics – by nature of the disease – face many other serious complications when their diabetes is not kept under control. Diabetic retinopathy is one such complication. It is, in fact, the leading cause of blindness of adults in the US. An annual eye exam is suggested to detect the retinopathy.
Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina. The retina is a tissue at the back of the eye which allows you to see clearly. The damaged blood vessels can leak blood into the center of the eye, causing the macula to swell. This causes blurry vision. The National Eye Institute estimates that between 40 to 45 percent of diabetics, have some stage of diabetic retinopathy.
The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), are:
• Blurry vision
• Seeing flashing lights or blank spots
• Dark or floating spots
• Pain or a pressure in either or both eyes
• Trouble seeing things peripherally
To elevate the importance of enhanced vision and kick-off its 2013 campaign – Transitions® adaptive lenses as the “Official Sponsor of Sightseeing™” – Transitions Optical, Inc. will unveil the “Feast Your Eyes Enhanced Vision Experience” at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE in Miami, FL, 21-24 February. Festival attendees will be invited to visit the event’s only elevated structure on the beach to see what they have been missing – in Transitions Optical’s effort to raise awareness about the important role of vision in connecting with all of the “sights” around you and enjoying life’s everyday moments.
The “Feast Your Eyes Enhanced Vision Experience” will offer several different ways for the more than 30,000 event attendees to see what they’ve been missing through trials of the Transitions lenses family of products, including Transitions lenses, Transitions® XTRActive® lenses and Transitions® Vantage™ lenses – all of which enhance visual quality and comfort by adapting to changing light conditions.
“From picking out fresh herbs, to visually seeing textures and colors of food when cooking, at Transitions Optical we believe vision plays an essential role in enjoying our interests, passions and everyday moments,” said Dan McLean, senior marketing manager, communications, Transitions Optical. “Participating in the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a relevant opportunity to elevate enhanced vision through the passion of food and bringing awareness to the importance of proper eye care and eyewear.”
Joining Transitions Optical at the event will be host of the Food Network hit show Restaurant: Impossible and long-time Transitions lenses wearer, celebrity chef Robert Irvine. Irvine also created two sorbet flavors using eye healthy ingredients – Carrot Lemon Thyme and Spiced Green Apple – which will be served during the Experience.
“To me, enhanced vision means seeing my best by eating eye healthy foods, maintaining an active lifestyle and wearing eyewear that allows me to see clearly and comfortably,” said Robert Irvine. “I am thrilled to be at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival with Transitions Optical, to share my story with others and encourage them to care for their eyes and ask their eye doctor about Transitions lenses.”
Children will have the opportunity to receive free vision screenings. Statistically, one in four children has an undetected vision problem that can interfere with the ability to read and learn. “My Eye Promise” will encourage children and their parents to pledge to take care of their eyes by getting comprehensive eye exams and wearing proper eyewear.
To learn more about Transitions lenses and where the Enhanced Vision Experience will be next, and for the chance to win exciting prizes, visit www.seemoresights.com.
Transitions Optical is a leading provider of adaptive lenses to optical manufacturers worldwide. Transitions Optical offers the most advanced adaptive technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names – setting a new standard of advanced performance, enhancing visual quality, and providing more visual comfort and eye protection than ever before.
For more information about the company and Transitions lenses, visit http://en-us.transitions.com/ or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).
NOTE:
This article was taken in part from a press release by Transitions Optical. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your physician. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, make an appointment with your eye doctor.
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