Understanding the Diabetic Eye

UNDERSTANDING THE DIABETIC EYE STATISTICS ON DIABETIC EYES ALMOST 26 MILLION Americans have diabetes 27% of these people don't know they have it 4.4 MILLION over age 40 are affected by diabetic retinopathy Americans People with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in the U.S. INSIDE THE DIABETIC EYE High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the eye High blood sugar in the eye causes a cataract to form Tiny blood vessels in the retina start to leak New blood vessels also leak, causing hemorrhages and damage to the retina Eye problems and vision loss are caused by lack of oxygen in the blood TYPES OF DIABETIC EYE DISEASE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Most common type of diabetic eye disease Risk goes up the longer a person has had diabetes 4 stages begin with microaneurysms and lead to new blood vessels on retina's surface These new blood vessels on retina's surface leak fluid and lead to vision loss or blindness CATARACTS A clouding of the lens that blocks light and causes blurry vision and trouble with glare Often age-related, but diabetic patients tend to get them younger Cases range from mild to severe and may require surgery WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIABETİC EYE DISEASE Diabetic eye conditions often have no symptoms or warning signs By the time symptoms arise, damage may have already occurred Early detection is key to preventing permanent damage People with diabetes should have an eye exam at least once a year Women with diabetes who become pregnant should see an eye doctor ds Suon as possible PROVIDED BY: Levin Luminais Chronister . Eye Associates Dediantol to Eelenor in Eyr Cere Siner 7 WWW.EYEDOCTORCHESTERCOUNTY.COM SOURCES: http://www.lleaeyes.com/services/retina#diabetic_eye_disease http://www.nei.nih.gov/diabetes/content/english/know.asp http://www.nei.nih.gov/diabetes/content/english/faq.asp http://www.aao.org/newsroom/upload/Eye-Health-Statistics-April-2011.pdf http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/eye-complications/ http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/DM/pubs/complications_eyes/