Diabetic Eye Disease Month - November 2024

Diabetic Eye Disease Month focuses attention on keeping our eyes healthy. Each November, vision care organizations, physicians, ophthalmologists, and opticians share resources on how diabetes can decrease your sight. According to the National Eye Institute, over 7 million Americans are impacted by diabetic retinopathy, a condition involving chronic high blood sugar that damages the retina’s blood vessels. If you have diabetes, learn how to properly maintain your eyesight. If not, err on the side of caution and schedule your annual eye exam.

Diabetic Eye Disease Month timeline

December, 2003

Major retinopathy study found early treatment improved vision for preemies

This was a groundbreaking report revealing that high-risk premature infants gained better vision potential with early treatment.

2002

Early medical trial showed positive signs of glaucoma slowdown

An Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial showed that treating early-stage glaucoma patients can slow the disease.

2000

National Eye Institute (NEI) focused on new educational vision initiative

The NEI was named the primary agency for a new vision education project as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services People 2010 initiative.

March, 1993

Five-year follow-up diabetic retinopathy results released

It confirmed the 95% success rate for the current treatment plans used in maintaining vision.

August 16, 1968

President Johnson signed a law establishing the National Eye Institute

The National Eye Institute became the first government agency exclusively committed to research on human visual diseases and disorders, a cause championed by LBJ.

4 Reasons Why Diabetic Eye Disease Needs Our Attention

It happens gradually

Diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed until symptoms are so severe that you are at risk of completely losing your vision.

It's the result of diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness with 40-45 percent affected by diabetic retinopathy.

It disproportionately affects people of color

Because people of different ethnic groups are prone to developing type 2 diabetes, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian-Americans are collectively at higher risk for diabetic eye diseases.

You can fight it with a healthy lifestyle

Prevention is key because taking positive steps like watching what you eat, regular exercise, and correctly taking your diabetes medicine can prevent or even delay any vision loss.

How to Observe Diabetic Eye Disease Month

Get tested for diabetes

If you suspect you may have diabetes or you have unsettling eye disease symptoms, use Diabetes Eye Disease Month as a way to conquer your anxiety and get proactive about your health. Various tests, including fasting or drinking a sugary, high glucose solution and then taking a blood test, will give you an accurate reading of the results. There are also certain factors during an eye exam that may indicate diabetes if you have not been formerly diagnosed. Whichever way you go, use this month to take action.

Post an eye exam reminder on social media

Cute pictures of kitty cats and puppy dogs may relieve our boredom on social media but use your platforms to save eyesight in November. Remind your friends, and friends of friends, that November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month. Throw up some stats and maybe some links to organizations that are working on this issue. In December, you can go back and re-post your photos of doggies and kitties.

Offer to take someone to their eye exam

Being a friend includes being there for someone, even accompanying them to an eye exam. It seems like a little thing but if your eyes seem to be playing tricks on you, bring along a friend for support. After all, if your eyes are dilated after the exam, you may need a ride home.

Why Diabetic Eye Disease Month is Important

Diabetic eye disease is scary

Think about all the ways you use your eyes, and now think about how you would feel if you were to gradually lose your eyesight. Diabetic eye disease, also known as diabetic retinopathy, is a group of eye conditions affecting people with diabetes. These conditions include cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens), glaucoma (elevated pressure inside the eye), and macular swelling (optic nerve damage). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests seeing your doctor if you have blurry or frequently changing vision, experience dark areas or vision loss, or if you see "floaters" or flashes of light.

All types of diabetes can trigger eye disease

It's just a fact that if you suffer with diabetes, you have a greater chance of having an eye disease than someone who doesn't. Every type of diabetes makes you vulnerable, which is why early detection with regular eye exams is key. People with types 1 and 2 diabetes need annual exams. Pregnant women with both types 1 and 2 need exams prior to pregnancy or at least during the first trimester. Only expectant mothers with gestational diabetes aren't required to have eye exams because they can't develop diabetic eye disease during pregnancy

Prevention means dilating your eyes

If you have diabetes, you need a more in-depth exam where the eye doctor dilates your eyes. This means you will receive drops in your eyes to make the pupils larger. This allows the doctor to fully see the back of each eye including the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve. After your eyes are dilated, don't panic if your vision is slightly blurry for a couple of hours — but make sure to arrange for transportation.

Also on Fri Nov 1, 2024...