lions eye health programme: about diabetic eye disease
table containing hyperlink buttons to all sections of the lions eye health program web site: home, about, eye disease, resources, sign up, contact.
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table containing rollover menu with hyperlinks throughout this section, about the lions eye health programme
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| Diabetic Eye Disease |
The incidence of blindness is 25 times higher in people with diabetes than the general population and diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in the working population (16-75years) accounting for 12% of all blind registrations.
Diabetic eye disease is a general term for the visual complications that result from diabetes. These include glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. The Lions Eye Health Programme concentrates on diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease. This condition can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. At first, there are no symptoms. Diabetic retinopathy works slowly and gradually. By the time a diabetic notices changes in their vision, considerable damage may have already been done. For this reason, everyone with diabetes is urged to have a dilated eye exam when first diagnosed with diabetes and then at least once a year. Diabetic retinopathy can only be diagnosed by a dilated eye exam. With timely treatment 90% of those with diabetic retinopathy can avoid vision loss.
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Treatment for diabetic retinopathy begins by controlling the diabetes. Treatment on the eyes may involve medications, laser or conventional surgery. These procedures are very effective in reducing, delaying or preventing vision loss but there is no cure.
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Facts About Diabetic Eye Disease |
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in the working population
Approximately 1.8 million people in the UK and Ireland are diagnosed with diabetes and about half again are undiagnosed and unaware that they have the disease
Everyone with diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy
Nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of retinopathy during their lifetime. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk for retinopathy
About 2% of the diabetic population becomes blind
The prevalence of the disease varies between those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, by age and ethnicity
In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually has no warning signs. Over time, however, the vision blurs and everyday tasks become more difficult. Vision lost cannot be regained
With timely treatment, 90% of those with advanced diabetic retinopathy can be saved from vision loss.
Medical studies have shown that modest lifestyle changes - such as getting more exercise and losing weight - can reduce an individual's risks for developing these serious health conditions
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