November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month – a month dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the vision-threatening complications that can arise from diabetes. As an organization dedicated to empowering the blind and low vision community, The Lighthouse of Houston is shining a spotlight on this critical issue.
According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of blindness. There are often no early warning signs. Those with diabetes, over 34 million Americans, are at a higher risk of developing diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts:
- Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): DR is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina. It progresses through four stages and can affect both eyes.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve, often related to increased eye pressure. However, it can even occur with normal eye pressure and is often called the “sneak thief of sight” due to people not noticing their vision loss until the disease is very advanced.
- Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to vision loss. It’s the leading cause of blindness worldwide and vision loss in the U.S. This can happen at any age and can even be present at birth.
“My blindness comes from retina detachment,” says Brittany Shavers, a Lighthouse of Houston client. “It is due to having type one diabetes.”
With proper management and regular comprehensive eye exams, much of this vision loss can be prevented. Early detection and treatment can often prevent or slow the progression of many eye conditions. Regular eye check-ups are crucial for maintaining your eye health and overall quality of life.
The Lighthouse of Houston offers a range of programs tailored to the needs of those with diabetes and vision loss, such as our Low Vision Clinic, weekly Diabetes Support Groups, online workshops, and more. These resources are incredibly important to educate and to foster a sense of community.
Together, we can shed light on diabetic eye disease and ensure no one faces vision loss alone.
Check out these resources below to learn more:
