Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of legal blindness among adults ages 20 to 74 in the United States. A study published in JAMA (8/11) found that nearly 30 percent of people with diabetes over age 40 have diabetic retinopathy, with approximately 4 percent of this group experiencing vision-threatening disease. Additional risk factors include male sex, higher HbA1c levels, longer duration of diabetes, use of insulin, and higher systolic blood pressure.
If you have diabetes, it is important to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year, and more frequently if diabetic retinopathy is present. Regular eye evaluations play a key role in early detection and ongoing management of diabetic eye disease.
If you are in need of diabetic eye care in Oakland County, please contact Rochester Eye Care at (248) 650-2255 to schedule an evaluation.
