Diabetes & The Eye

People with diabetes need to give special attention to their eyes and vision because diabetes can cause blindness, says Joseph Audia, OD. West Virginia leads the nation as the state with the highest percentage of its' population having diabetes. "Nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic eye disease", Dr. Audia said. The most common is diabetic retinopathy, caused by changes in the blood vessels in the retina, the nerve-rich lining at the back of the eye that is essential for seeing. But diabetes can also contribute to glaucoma and cataracts. Each year approximately 25,000 people lose their sight to diabetic eye disease, making diabetes a leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 25-74 years old, according to the American Diabetic Association, National Eye Institute and American Optometric Association. The three have joined with other organizations to alert people to diabetic eye disease. A recent study reported that less than half of all adults with diabetes have had their eyes examined. "Diabetes-related eye diseases often have no symptoms but early signs can be detected during a dilated eye exam, Dr. Audia said. "People with diabetes should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist at least once a year for a dilated eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in preventing blindness! We give diabetic eyes the care they need and coordinate your eye care with your family physician.

Our Pledge To You

• We will give your diabetic eyes the special care they need

• We will provide a written report to the physician treating your diabetes to keep them advised that you have had a complete eye exam with dilated retinal evaluation and to advise them about the status of your eyes

• We will remind you when it is time for your next eye exam (we will send you a letter and call you)