November is American Diabetes Month, and as we have in previous years, we’re focusing on letting people know the important connection between your eye health and diabetes.
Approximately 38 million people are living with diabetes, and 1 in 5 are undiagnosed. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing serious eye diseases including:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular edema
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
For people between age 18 and 64, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness—and it can progress without any noticeable signs or symptoms.
Warning signs of diabetes include:
- Sudden blurry or double vision
- Increased thirst or frequent urination
- Extreme fatigue or unexplained weight loss
If you have diabetes or are at risk, regular eye exams are crucial. An eye exam can detect early stages of diabetic retinopathy or other related conditions. Consider making an appointment with your doctor who can monitor your eye health and catch issues early.
Don’t let diabetes steal your sight!