Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age Americans? Not many people do. That’s why we’re taking advantage of the fact that November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. We want to do our part to generate awareness with our patients and our communities at large.
Statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology report that approximately 29 million Americans 20 years of age and older have diabetes. What’s worse about this statistic is that almost one-third of those people have no idea that they suffer from diabetes and are at risk for vision loss. Many times, early symptoms go unnoticed and do not affect a sufferer’s vision until the disease is severe and much harder to treat.
A group of eye problems that affects those with diabetes includes diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Affecting 5.3 million Americans age 18 and older, diabetic retinopathy is the most common vision complication associated with diabetes. Follow our Johnson Optometric Facebook page for more information on diabetic eye disease.
Early diagnosis of diabetes can greatly reduce your risk of developing eye disease associated with diabetes. So if you don’t already, ask questions about diabetes on your next visit with your physician. If you are already aware that you have diabetes, it is imperative that you receive a dilated comprehensive eye exam every year. Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month is the perfect month to invest in your vision. Take a minute and make an appointment with your local Johnson Optometric Associates eye doctor. We look forward to seeing you soon!