November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
November 2, 2011 3 Comments
Prevent Blindness America has designated November as Diabetic Eye Disease Month to create awareness about the eye diseases caused by diabetes. Over 23 million children and adults suffer from diabetes and the number is growing. Unfortunately and surprisingly, one-third of the people with diabetes have not been diagnosed. It is important that people understand the risks diabetes poses to their eyes and visit an ophthalmologist and a primary care physician regularly. The earlier the disease is diagnosed and lifestyle changes and treatment initiated, the better the chances of avoiding vision loss and other problems.
Diabetes is the primary cause of new cases of blindness among adults ages 20 to 74. The risk of eyesight threatening problems such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma and cataracts is much higher for diabetics both Type 1 and Type 2. Between 40 and 45% of diabetics have some stage of diabetic retinopathy and diabetics are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma and 60% more likely to develop cataracts.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. With diabetic retinopathy, the small blood vessels in the eye become enlarged or clogged by high levels of sugar in the blood. They also can become weak and rupture or the retina can become detached. Often there are no early symptoms of the disease. When symptoms appear, they can include bury or double vision, floaters or dark patches, or in the case of a detached retina, flashes or dark spots. The longer an individual has diabetes and the older they are the more likely they are to get DR.
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “thief of sight”. Fluid pressure inside the eye rises and damages the optic nerve. There are usually no symptoms at first, but an eye exam can detect it.
Cataracts cloud or fog the lens of the eye. While anyone can get cataracts, people with diabetes tend to get them at an earlier age and the condition progresses more rapidly. Symptoms include blurred or glared vision.
For diabetics, annual eye exams are a must. It is estimated that 90% of diabetic eye disease can be prevented by regular examinations and treatment. Unfortunately, more than half of the people with diabetes do not get the recommended yearly eye exams.
If you have diabetes, don’t risk blindness. Make sure you get annual eye exams. If you know someone with diabetes, make them aware of the risk. Losing ones sight is tragic but it’s even more tragic when it could have been prevented. If you need help with developing skills to cope with loss of vision, please contact the Lighthouse.
Submitted by Caryl Melancon, Lighthouse Volunteer
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Patricia Porter I was browsing on-line and I came throughout your post… I loved studying it . I realized much about this topic that you wrote here. Thank you so much for posting an article like this one.
Here it is: Been driving for 20 yrs. Live outside Calgary.Got into fender-bender beg. of November.No injuries, just car damage. Had a heart attack Nov. 10. Got letter from DVM with a form questioning my medical status at time of original accident. Had just got out of hospital, so mailed form back with my DL, and a note saying I would contact them when I found out my medical etc status. Well, have found out I am diabetic, and also my retina is detached in one eye, cannot be fixed, but vision is ok through one eye. Now what should I do to get my license back? I know it will have to be modified as to use, but I need to drive again asap. Any constructive suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as this is tearing me apart, and I don’t want to make the wrong move to impede the outcome – I need my driving papers back! Thank you.
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