Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

When thinking about diabetes, only a few of us are aware about how the disease affects our vision. Since November is regarded as Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, it’s important for us to review some of the precautionary measures we can take to ensure that our optical health remains in the best condition possible. Please feel free to share this blog with others who may benefit from our insight into the dangers of diabetic eye disease. In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 29 million Americans (from the age 20 or older) have diabetes, but almost one-third of this statistic isn’t aware that they have the disease and are at risk of vision loss and other health problems.

Diabetic eye disease refers to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma – the most common problem being diabetic retinopathy, which affects 5.3 million Americans over the age of 18, and is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

In diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels located inside the retina become damaged from the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. The condition causes fluid to leak into the retina and obstruct blood flow, causing vision loss or even leading to blindness.

Generally speaking, most diabetics don’t develop diabetic retinopathy until after they have had diabetes for at least ten years. More than one in three people who are afflicted with diabetes, however, do not receive the recommended vision care and are at risk for blindness. Since early symptoms often go unnoticed, vision may not be affected until the disease has progressed beyond the stages of early intervention.

All people with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, are at risk for developing this condition. Of those diagnosed with diabetes, the National Eye Institute estimates that 40-45% of American adults have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. If you or someone you should know is diagnosed as having diabetes, schedule a complete dilated eye examination with the eye doctor at least once a year.

We strongly encourage that you make an appointment promptly if you experience blurred vision and/or floaters that:

• Affect only one eye 
• Last more than a few days 
• Are not associated with a change in blood sugar

Please keep in mind that the early diagnosis of diabetes (along with maintaining strict control of blood sugar and hypertension through diet, exercise and meditation) can help reduce your risk of developing eye diseases associated with diabetes. For more information on how you can raise awareness around National Diabetes Month, please visit the National Eye Institute.

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on healthy vision.