November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Did You Know Diabetes is The Leading Cause of Blindness in Working-age Americans?

About 29 million Americans over age 20 have diabetes, but nearly 30% don’t know it, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Because the symptoms of diabetes can go unnoticed, many people are unknowingly at increased risk for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or glaucoma, all of which can be made worse by high blood sugar levels.

Our advice? Get an annual physical from your primary care physician to detect abnormal blood sugar levels early. And if you have diabetes, schedule annual checkups with your eye doctor to monitor the risks and symptoms that may accompany your situation.

Early diagnosis, diet, exercise, and medication can all help reduce your risk of vision loss.