Prevent Blindness America
--New Program Seeks to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle as A Key to Saving Vision--
CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 25 million Americans have diabetes. In addition to being the leading cause of kidney failure and non-traumatic lower limb amputations, it is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in those ages 20 and over. People with diabetes are also twice as likely to develop other eye diseases such as cataract and glaucoma. Fortunately, recent studies have shown that the onset of Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented and the risk of vision loss reduced through a healthy diet and exercise.
As part of November's Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, Prevent Blindness America is launching its new "Live Right, Save Sight!" campaign. The goal of the new program is to educate the public on diabetes and its potential effect on vision, as well as healthy choices they can make today to save sight in the future. Live Right, Save Sight! also provides free information including risk factors, treatment options and Medicare benefits as well as a dedicated web page at preventblindness.org/diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that weakens the small blood vessels in the retina. Retinal blood vessels can break down, leak, or become blocked - affecting and impairing vision over time. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, damage to the eye can occur when abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.
Diabetic macular edema is a result of diabetic retinopathy and can lead to loss of central vision.
There are two common types of diabetes. Type 1 accounts for approximately 5 percent of all diabetes cases and is usually diagnosed in children. It occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, an essential body requirement. Type 2 accounts for up to 95 percent of diabetes cases. This form of diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin that the body does produce. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood, although increasing numbers of children in some populations are being diagnosed.
"The diabetes epidemic that we are facing is very serious and the resulting complications from this disease can be devastating to our health," said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. "The good news is that by making a committed effort to leading a healthy lifestyle today, we can help delay or even prevent developing diabetes and its effects in the future."
As part of the Live Right, Save Sight! campaign, Prevent Blindness America recommends:
For more information on the Live Right, Save Sight! program or diabetic eye disease, please call Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or visit preventblindness.org/diabetes.
About Prevent Blindness AmericaFounded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, Prevent Blindness America is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020. Or, visit us on the Web at preventblindness.org or facebook.com/preventblindness.
CONTACT: Sarah Hecker, Prevent Blindness America, +1-312-363-6035,
[email protected]
Web site: http://www.preventblindness.org/