Diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease that affects over 29 million people in the United States alone. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic eye disease, characterized by damaged blood vessels in the retina. This can lead to blurry vision, vision impairment and eye hemorrhage. Without treatment it can cause retinal detachment and even blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy can develop in any individual suffering from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The disease is currently the leading cause of blindness in the U.S.
According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, 126 million people were affected by diabetic retinopathy in 2010; more than 191 people are likely to be affected by Diabetic retinopathy by 2030.
According to the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2005 and 2008, 28.5% of diabetic patients had some degree of DR, while 4.4% of patients suffered from vision-threatening levels of the disease.
An aging population, high prevalence of obesity, and rise in sedentary lifestyle are the key factors driving the rise in DR in the United States. Many efforts are being made to combat this disease, starting with an increase in awareness about early detection, symptoms and treatment. People with DR often lack early symptoms, because they can be hard to detect.
That’s why it is so important for anyone who knows they have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to have regular dilated eye exams by a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist. Studies have shown that controlling diabetes by eating well, being active, and taking the proper medications can slow the onset of DR.
If you are suffering from Type 1 or 2 diabetes, please reach out to Takle Eye Group to schedule an exam, and we will help you define a custom treatment plan to improve your eye health and protect your vision.
