Did you know that diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74?
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to learn more about this serious condition and what you can do to protect your vision.
What is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a general term for a group of eye problems that can develop in people with diabetes. These problems include diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina), cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens), and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
- Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of diabetic eye disease. It occurs when diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, the thin tissue at the back of the eye that contains the cells needed for vision. Over time, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss or even blindness.
- Cataracts are another common complication of diabetes. Cataracts occur when the proteins in the lens of the eye begin to break down, causing the lens to become cloudy. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age than those without diabetes.
- Glaucoma is another complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye becomes too high, damaging the optic nerve. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
What Can You Do to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease?
The best way to prevent diabetic eye disease is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. This can be done through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. If you have diabetes, it’s also important to have regular eye exams so that any problems can be detected early and treated accordingly.
Conclusion
Diabetic eye disease is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. If you have diabetes, be sure to keep your blood sugar levels under control and have regular eye exams so that any problems can be detected early and treated accordingly.
