Facts about Diabetic Eye Disease

Prevent Blindness America’s “Economic Impact of Vision Problems: The Toll of Major Adult Eye Disorders, Visual Impairment, and Blindness on the U.S. Economy” study shows that diabetic retinopathy costs $490 million annually in direct costs for outpatient, inpatient and prescription drug services.

According to the CDC:

• In 2007, 3.3 million adults with diabetes (aged 18 years or older) reported visual impairment, that is, trouble seeing even with their glasses or contact lenses on.

• In 2007, 71.7 percent of adults, aged 18 years and older, with diabetes in 38 states reported receiving a dilated-eye examination within the last year,

• 23.6 million, (7.8 percent), Americans have diabetes, including 5.7 million who have yet to be diagnosed.  Another 57 million have pre-diabetes.

• In 2007, 15.1 percent of U.S. adults with diabetes smoked, 38.2 percent reported being physically inactive, 83.5 percent were overweight or obese, 51.1 percent were obese based on self-reported height and weight, 67.0 percent of U.S. adults with diabetes reported having hypertension, and 62.6 percent reported that their cholesterol was high.

Here are a few ways to protect your eyes:

• Healthy blood glucose levels are like carrots: Both are good for your eyes. Keeping up with blood glucose management lowers the risk of developing eye disease and keeps existing eye disease from getting worse.

• It’s worse under pressure. High blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, and can make diabetic eye disease worse. Talk to your doctor about ways to control your blood pressure.

• Cholesterol counts. High cholesterol can also cause damage to blood vessels in the eye. Keep cholesterol down to keep eye disease from developing or worsening.

For more information on diabetic eye disease, visit www.preventblindness.org/diabetes.