The National Eye Institute (NEI) lists the following points to keep in mind about Diabetic Eye Disease:
1. Diabetic Eye Disease is comprised of a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma.
2. All forms of Diabetic Eye Disease have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness.
3. Diabetic retinopathy involves changes to retinal blood vessels that can cause them to bleed or leak fluid, thus distorting vision.
4. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-aged adults.
5. Because diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed until vision loss occurs, people with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
6. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with several therapies, used alone or in combination. Ask your eye care professional about your options.
7. NEI supports research to develop new therapies for diabetic retinopathy and to compare the effectiveness of existing therapies for different patient groups.
8. DME is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy that causes swelling in the area of the retina called the macula.
9. Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care of Diabetic Eye Disease can protect against vision loss.
10. Controlling diabetes (by taking medications as prescribed, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy diet) can prevent or delay vision loss.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html
National Eye Institute (NEI) – https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy
1 According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html