A comprehensive dilated eye exam can catch diabetic eye disease early, before symptoms appear.
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 says the professionals from CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services. 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.
For those with diabetes, a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year can detect diabetic retinopathy. The disease affects over a quarter of those with diabetes 40 or older.
The condition can creep up quietly. It gradually weakens small blood vessels in and around the retina, which is the light-sensing layer of tissue at the back of the eye. If the disease progresses these vessels may rupture and leak blood into the eye. These blood vessels can also spread and grow on the surface of the retina and cause scarring.
Typically, diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. But the disease can be detected early through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. In this procedure, an eye professional will put drops in your eye to dilate (widen) the pupil, which allows a closer look at the retina.
The good news is that with early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up, the risk of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by 95 percent. There are several effective treatment options that your Eye Care Professional can inform you of including laser surgery and injections of anti-VEGF drugs.
November is National Diabetes Month. If you have diabetes, it's a good time to remember these health tips:
Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
Control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. By controlling your diabetes, you'll reduce your risk of diabetic eye disease.
Talk to your eye care professional about diabetic retinopathy.
Learn more about diabetic eye disease by visiting (www.nei.nih.gov/diabetes).
Learn more about preventing and managing diabetes from the National Diabetes Education Program (ndep.nih.gov).