Diabetes Threatens the Eyesight of Many Unsuspecting Americans

MUNSTER, IN, November 15, 2011 (Press-News.org) An estimated 24 million Americans now have diabetes, with the number expected to grow at least 5 percent annually in future years. One serious consequence of the disease can be vision loss or blindness. The earlier diabetes is caught and appropriate lifestyle changes and treatment begin, the better the chance of avoiding vision loss and other health consequences.

"Too often, people are not aware of any vision problems." said Dr. Binh Q. Nguyen "Effective treatments, including annual eye exams, can reduce severe vision loss in diabetics significantly."

In the United States, one-third of those with diabetes are unaware of it. Hispanic-Americans are especially at risk for diabetes and related eye problems. Some find out when their ophthalmologist notices changes in their retina — the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye — during a dilated eye exam. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1; both types can affect eye health. Nearly 5.5 million Americans age 18 and older have diabetic retinopathy. In addition to controlling their blood sugar, people with diabetes should work with their primary care physician to control their blood pressure, since both are important to slowing the development of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics are also more likely to develop glaucoma, a complex disease that damages the optic nerve, which relays images from the eye to the brain.

Dr. Jason Brooks adds, "People with diabetes should make an appointment at Munster Eye Care Associates today for a comprehensive eye examination so we can help them maintain healthy eyes and good vision."

Munster Eye Care Associates and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend that people with Type 2 diabetes see an ophthalmologist at the time of diagnosis and annually thereafter. Those with Type 1 diabetes should see an ophthalmologist within five years of diagnosis and then yearly. Women who have either diabetes type should see their eye doctor before they become pregnant or early in the first trimester. Also, the Academy now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40, when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, your eye doctor will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.
Additional information on diabetic retinopathy can be found at http://www.munstereyecare.com and http://www.GetEyeSmart.org.

About Munster Eye Care Associates:

Munster Eye Care Associates has been providing outstanding vision care to the residents of Munster, Indiana and the surrounding communities of Hammond, Highland and Northwest Indiana for more than 30 years. Our comprehensive eye care practice specializes in Lasik Surgery, No Stitch Cataract Surgery with Premium Customized Implants, Diabetic Eye Treatment/Surgery, Glaucoma Treatment/Surgery, Corneal Transplants, Pediatric Eye Diseases, Glasses and Contact Lenses, and Wellness Exams. For further information or to schedule an appointment call (219) 922-6226, or visit our web site at http://www.munstereyecare.com.