During National Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s important to highlight how diabetes can affect your vision—and to share the good news that you can take steps to protect your eyesight.
People with diabetes are at risk for various eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss for adults with diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74. Alaska Natives are among those with the highest risk of losing vision from diabetes, but with the right care, this risk can be greatly reduced.
To protect your eyes while living with diabetes, it’s essential to keep your overall health on TRACK:
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Add physical activity to your daily routine.
- Control your ABC’s: A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Kick the smoking habit.
Keeping your diabetes in check is key to slowing the progression of diabetic eye diseases. Just as important is staying on top of your regular eye exams. Since diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions may not show early symptoms, having a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year can catch problems early and prevent serious vision loss. Early detection and timely treatment can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by up to 95%.
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but you don’t have to lose your vision because of it. Take charge of your eye health today by scheduling your annual eye exam. Call the Eye Clinic at 907-451-6682 and choose option 4 or check when Rural Eye Services will be in your community next. Visit Tanana Chiefs Eye Clinic (https://www.tananachiefs.org/services/health/chief-andrew-isaac-health-center/eye-clinic/) to learn more about available services. You can protect your vision while living with diabetes—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.