The Unseen Danger of Diabetes
November is National Diabetes Month and Dr. Nichols encourages anyone who has, or may be at risk for, diabetes to have an annual eye examination.
“Diabetes affects 18.2 million Americans, 5.2 million of which may not even know they have the disease,” Dr. Nichols said. “One of the health problems associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the eye which can cause blindness.”
Diabetic retinopathy can weaken and cause changes in the blood vessels that nourish the retina. Symptoms may include blurred vision, cloudiness, and/or “floaters.” Diabetes also increases a person’s risk for developing other eye diseases. For example, persons living with diabetes are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma and 60% more likely to develop cataracts.
“The early stages of diabetic retinopathy may produce no visual symptoms at all,” Dr. Nichols said. “That is why it is so important for anyone who has diabetes or a family history of diabetes to have a yearly comprehensive eye health examination. Early detection and treatment are essential because once damage has occurred, the effects are usually permanent.”
Dr. Nichols is the owner and practitioner of Davenport Vision Source located at 506 8th Street in Davenport, Washington and is a member of Vision Source.
Founded in 1991, Vision Source® is North America’s largest network of private practice optometrists. …..With more than 2,800 offices and 5,300 members in the United States and Canada, Vision Source consists of the most influential experts in the eye care industry. For more information, call 888-558-2020 or visit www.visionsource.com.