Eye Health for People with Diabetes
Eye Health for People with Diabetes
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November is Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease Month.
That means at Oxford Family Vision Care we are focusing on eye health for people with diabetes.
People with diabetes face unique health issues and the eyes are no exception.
If you suffer from diabetes you may need to visit your optometrist more frequently and watch out for specific eye diseases.
This blog post will go over some frequently asked questions about eye health for people with diabetes. Keep reading to find out more about eye health when you have diabetes.
Eye Health Risks Due to Diabetes
If you suffer from diabetes, then there are a few eye health complications you need to watch out for.
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of vision loss than those without diabetes, yet nearly 60% do not get annual eye exams.
Here are some facts about eye health and diabetes in the United States from the CDC:
- People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to develop blindness than people without diabetes.
- Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye disorders occur earlier and more often in people with diabetes.
- Diabetic retinopathy is projected to affect 16 million people with diabetes by 2050.
- More than 90% of vision loss caused by diabetes can be avoided with early detection and treatment.
- Intensive management of blood glucose levels can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy by 27%.
For these reasons, people with diabetes are advised to get an eye examination at least once per year.
How Do Diabetics Keep Their Eyes Healthy?
When it comes to keeping your eyes healthy and living with diabetes, there are three steps you can take according to the American Diabetes Association.
Step 1. Know your risk for diabetes.
Many people have diabetes or prediabetes for years without realizing it because the warning signs can be easy to miss.
Scheduling an annual eye exam is the best step you can take for the prevention and detection of diabetic-related eye complications.
Step 2. Know the Warning Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease.
Some diabetic eye diseases have no signs or symptoms until they are too obvious to ignore.
Some warning signs include:
- Blurred vision
- Dark spots or “holes” in your field of vision
- Flashes of light
- An increased amount of floaters
- Poor night vision
Be mindful of these signs of eye complications and visit an optometrist at the first sign of diabetic eye disease to prevent further damage.
Step 3. Take Charge of Your Eye Health.
It can be easy to let your eye health deteriorate. Only you have the power to stop eye problems before they become permanent.
Regular eye exams can help to identify problems that, when treated, can prevent or delay vision loss due to diabetic eye complications.
Unfortunately, many people with diabetes never get their eyes examined. If you have diabetes and have not had your eyes examined within the last year, schedule your eye appointment today! Your eyes will thank you!
Schedule Your Eye Appointment at Oxford Family Vision Care Today!
Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in people 18-64 today. Often there are no obvious signs or symptoms.
An annual eye appointment can prevent 95% of vision loss caused by diabetes.
If it has been over a year since your last eye appointment or you have noticed signs of vision loss, it is time to make an appointment with Family Vision Care in Oxford, Ohio today.
Our staff has the experience and expertise to stop or prevent serious diabetic eye conditions in their tracks.
If it is time for your regular eye appointment, reach out to Oxford Family Vision Care now! Conveniently located in Butler County, only a short walk or drive from the Miami University campus.
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