November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month, designed to bring awareness to the importance for those with diabetes or have pre diabetes to have a comprehensive eye exam.

The fact is there are almost 2.4 million people in Florida with diabetes. With approximately 600,000 people in the sunshine state don’t realize they have diabetes and 5,800,000 of the adult population have pre-diabetes.

Many people with diabetes, don’t realize they are at a higher risk for certain eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Those with the disease are 60% more likely to have cataracts. Due to the fluid in the eye not draining properly, causing excessive pressure and damaging to the optic nerve in the eye.

Those with diabetes are 40% more likely to have glaucoma. High levels of blood sugar can cause retina damage and retinopathy

Nearly 7.7 million people over the age of 40 have diabetic retinopathy, by the year 2030 this number is projected to increase to more than 11 million. According to the National Eye Institute, “Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care can help reduce severe vision loss from diabetes by 95 percent.”

How To Stay On Track To Protect Vision

Diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, and the only way to detect it is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Other things that people with diabetes can do to delay or slow down the progression of diabetic eye disease include:

T — Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
R — Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
A — Add more physical activity to your daily routine.
C — Control your ABCs—A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
K — Kick the smoking habit.

Since eye disease generally does not have early symptoms, those with diabetes need a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. With early detection and timely treatments, you can prevent vision loss and even blindness.

Regardless of your physical well-being or your age, routine eye exams are vital to healthy eyes. Many eye diseases threaten more than just our vision, they can affect our overall well being.

Don’t put if off any longer, schedule your comprehensive eye exam today with Lake Nona Eye Care or call us at 407-658-9990.

Don’t forget to stop by our new office in the Eagle Creek Publix shopping center.