Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic Eye Disease Infographic
Infographic on Diabetic Eye Disease
What is it?
- It refers to eye problems people with diabetes may have. These include—
- Cataract
Clouding of the lens of the eye. - Diabetic retinopathy
Damage to blood vessels in the retina; most common. - Glaucoma
- Damage to the optic nerve.
- Cataract
- There are often NO early warning signs.
What are the numbers?
- 7.7 million people ages 40 and older have diabetic retinopathy.
- Will reach 11 million people by 2030.
- 95% of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented by early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up.
Who is at risk?
- All people with diabetes.
- The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of getting diabetic eye disease.
How is it detected?
- Through a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
What can you do?
- Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
- Keep your health on TRACK:
- Take your medications.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Add physical activity to your daily routine.
- Control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Kick the smoking habit.
Where can you learn more?
- Visit www.nei.nih.gov/diabetes
Source: National Eye Institute, 2013