BUSINESS WIRE
Early Detection And Treatment Crucial In Preventing Blindness Of
Degenerative Disease of the Retina That Affects 5.3 Million Americans
No Cost Eye Exams Available
With diabetes rates continuing to rise in America, the American Academy
of Ophthalmology is calling for screenings for diabetic retinopathy
during November’s Diabetic Eye Disease
Awareness month. The disease affects 5.3 million Americans. People with
diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than those who do not
have the illness. Loss of vision can often be prevented or reduced if
the disease is detected and treated early.
The disease, a complication of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, is a
degenerative disease of the retina (the area at the back of the eye that
makes clear, central vision possible.) Sometimes people learn they are
diabetic when an ophthalmologist’s exam finds
diabetic retinopathy.
High blood sugar levels have been linked to eye blood vessel
abnormalities that result in a range of diabetic retinopathy symptoms.
In the early phase, some patients may notice only mild or no changes in
their vision. Since damage from the disease often develops slowly, early
detection and treatment can make a crucial difference in preserving
vision.
Careful control of blood sugar may prevent and in some cases even
reverse early damage from diabetic retinopathy. Beyond this,
ophthalmologists can provide effective treatments for retinopathy,
including laser photocoagulation for early to moderate stages, and a
microsurgery called vitrectomy when the disease has caused extensive
damage to the eye. Injectable and oral medications that act on abnormal
blood vessels and could control diabetic retinopathy before vision loss
occurs are now in development. Early detection is key to the optimal
effectiveness of these approaches.
Patients can go to http://www.geteyesmart.org/
to get more information or call 1.800.272.EYES for information on
no-cost eye exams. The Academy also recommends a baseline eye exam at
age 40 for everyone not at risk for eye disease.