Diabetes and Vision Loss

Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of blindness among American adults. Vision care is often overlooked by people with diabetes as they work to manage the many other health problems the disease can cause.

According to a survey by the American Optometric Association (AOA), 55% of people are unaware that diabetic eye diseases often have no visual signs or symptoms.

Additionally, 44% of Americans don't know that a person with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year, including a retina (dilated) eye exam. Yet, these exams are the only way to diagnose serious eye diseases associated with diabetes at its early stage.

People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk for developing eye diseases including glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, one of the most serious sight-threatening complications of diabetes.

Individuals with diabetes are 40% are more likely to suffer from glaucoma than people without diabetes.

Many people without diabetes will get cataracts, but those with the disease are 60% more likely to develop this eye condition. People with diabetes also tend to get cataractsat a younger age and have them progress faster..

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.

Since early warning signs of diabetic eye and vision disorders are often subtle or undetected, the AOA recommends that high-risk individuals look for initial signs and contact a doctor of optometry if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Sudden blurred or double vision
• Trouble reading or focusing on near-work
• Eye pain or pressure A noticeable aura or dark ring around lights or illuminated objects
• Visible dark spots in vision or images of flashing lights

If you happen to be in the Florida region, schedule and drop in at any of 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore® location in Winter Park, Melbourne or Orange City for a comprehensive eye exam today.

Sources:

Diabetes and Eyes, What Your Vision is Trying to Tell You. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 10 April 2013.
Individuals with Diabetes at Increased Risk for Eye Diseases. American Optometric Association. 1 November 2012.