Eye care an important part of Diabetes Awareness Month

November 2, 2009

November marks Diabetes awareness month, and experts are advising Americans to be alert to some of the disease's possible complications. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that there are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States who suffer from diabetes, but 5.7 million (almost one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.

Diabetes can affect many aspects of an individual's health, including their vision. Those who suffer from the condition should pay close attention to their eye health and have frequent, thorough eye exams. Diabetics are 25 times more likely to lose their vision than those without the disease, according to the Health News Digest.

Eyecare America recommends that patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes immediately alert their eye care professional, and make sure to schedule routine eye exams.

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst or hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability or blurry vision.
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a check-up with your health care professional immediately, the ADA suggests.