Diabetes is the
leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as
the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of
people with impaired vision. Diabetes can cause a disease of the eye called diabetic retinopathy (DR). In its early
stages, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you
cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected
and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently. A
recent study, conducted at Centers for
Disease Control
found that the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was high, affecting almost
one-third of adults over age 40 years with diabetes, and more than one-third of
African-Americans and Mexican Americans.
If you or someone you know has diabetes there are important steps you can take to prevent vision loss including a) maintain good control of your blood sugar and blood pressure with diet, exercise and medications prescribed by your physician, b) having regular eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor. Depending on how long you have had diabetes and the health of your retina, your eye doctor may recommend specialized testing including scans and pictures in order to monitor changes that occur from diabetic retinopathy. Be sure to follow up on appointments and testing.
The key to preventing vision loss from diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is early detection, diagnosis and treatment if necessary. If you or someone you know has diabetes and not had a recent eye exam please schedule an appointment at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyecataractcenter.
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a leading eye care center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
