Keep An Eye On Your Eyes

If you are one of more than 25 million Americans with diabetes, you may already know the importance of watching your diet and keeping track of your blood sugar. But did you know it’s also important to have regular eye exams?

In the United States, diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of this disease, and affects about 28.5 percent of Americans with diabetes age 40 and older. That’s more than 7 million people, and the number is expected to reach more than 11 million by the year 2030.

Diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. But the disease can be detected early through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up, the risk of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be reduced. There are several effective treatment options for diabetic retinopathy.

The National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, leads the federal government's research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs that result in the development of sight-saving treatments.

For more details about National Diabetes Month you can read the original article published on niv.gov.

The most important thing you can do to keep your eyes healthy is to get an annual eye examination.

Each 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore has an Independent Optometrist on site. Walk-ins are welcome. All we ask is that you come 20 minutes early so we can complete all of the required paperwork. Contact us for more information.