November is Diabetic Eye Awareness Month: Facts From Your Clarksville & Elkton Optometrist

This November, our Clarksville and Elkton optometrist teams at Sites Vision Clinic is recognizing Diabetic Eye Awareness Month!

Top 5 Things To Know About Diabetes and Vision Health

1. Diabetes is a metabolic disease hallmarked by too much sugar in the blood. This can cause many health problems--some serious--including inflammation and damage to blood vessels and important organs, including the eyes. 

2. The most common type of diabetic eye disease is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels to the retinas become damaged. It is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. People with diabetes are also more at risk for developing other eye diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma. 

3 Over 50% of people with diabetes are at risk for vision loss and other eye health complications. According to the National Institute of Health, by 2030, as many as 11 million people will have eye health problems associated with diabetes. 

4. Prevention is possible. Controlling your diabetes with proper medication, nutrition, and lifestyle choices is one of the best ways to prevent or manage diabetic eye disease.

5. If you have diabetes, it's extremely important see an eye doctor regularly. Many signs and symptoms of diabetic-related eye health problems don't appear until long after the disease has already progressed. To increase the chances of early detection, early treatment, and better outcomes, see your eye doctor annually for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. 

Do You Or A Loved One Have Diabetes? Stay On Top Of Your Vision Health With Our Elkton & Clarksville Eye Doctor Team

Led by Elkton & Clarksville eye doctor Dr. Clif Sites, Dr. Brian Murray, and Dr. Paula Murray, Sites Vision Clinic has been providing quality eye care services for decades. In addition to providing affordable and compassionate vision care, we want to help all our patients with diabetes understand how to protect their vision. If you have diabetes and need to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam, call either of our offices today.