November | 2023

NEWS

What you need to know to help prevent vision loss from diabetes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that approximately 37.3 million people have diabetes, and 96 million people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk for diabetes-related eye disease.

Prevent Blindness has declared November as Diabetes-related Eye Disease Awareness Month, providing the public with a variety of helpful tools to prevent unnecessary vision loss from diabetes.

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Why is juvenile diabetes a problem for vision and eye health?

It is important for youth with diabetes and their families to know that vision problems are common with diabetes. Vision problems may be avoided or delayed by keeping blood glucose (sugar) levels in range and getting dilated eye exams each year or as recommended by your eye doctor (an optometrist or ophthalmologist).

1 in 2 youth with diabetes may develop diabetes-related retinopathy 12+ years after diagnosis.

Prevent Blindness has developed a new web resource, fact sheet, and social media graphics for youth living with diabetes and their caregivers. These new resources were developed with support from UnitedHealthcare.

fact sheet - Diabetes + Your Eyes, Vision Health and Youth

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5 ways to help prevent vision loss from juvenile diabetes

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What is Diabetes-related

retinopathy?

Diabetes-related retinopathy occurs when small blood vessels leak and bleed in the retina. The retina is layer of the eye that acts like the film in the camera of the eye to help you see. Diabetes-related retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in American adults and it affects over one in four of those living with diabetes, while 4% have severe cases of retinopathy.

What is Diabetes-related macular edema?

Diabetes-related macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes caused by fluid accumulation in the macula that can affect the fovea. The macula is the central portion in the retina which is in the back of the eye and where vision is the sharpest. Vision loss from DME can progress over a period of months and make it impossible to focus clearly.

Diabetes Resources at Prevent Blindness

These resources are designed to support individuals living with diabetes and help them gain access to eye care that they require to maintain healthy vision.

Coming Soon

Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week: November 13-19

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves’ eye disease, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system causes inflammation and swelling and stimulates the production of muscle tissue and fat behind the eye. Prevent Blindness has declared Nov. 13-19 as the 4th Annual TED Awareness week to provide educational materials and promote awareness for patients, care partners and healthcare professionals. TED Week is supported by funding from Amgen, Immunovant, Inc., and Viridian Therapeutics.

The effects of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) can lead to depression, anxiety, reduced self-confidence, and social isolation. Talk to your TED specialist about the impact that TED may have on your mental health.

Prevent Blindness has declared Nov. 13-19 as the 4th Annual TED Awareness week to provide educational materials and promote awareness for patients, care partners and healthcare professionals. TED Week is supported by funding from Amgen, Immunovant, Inc., and Viridian Therapeutics.

Giving Tuesday is November 28

Give the Gift of Sight This Giving Tuesday!

Mark your calendars for this year’s GivingTuesday on Nov. 28! You can support our sight-saving mission by donating at PreventBlindness.org/donate, or by texting SIGHT to 18337111621 (message and data rates may apply).