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Health & Fitness

Doctors Urge Comprehensive Eye Exams During Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month and ophthalmologists are urging those living with diabetes and diabetic eye disease to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.  Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people aged 20 years and over. Each year thousands of people lose their sight because of diabetes. People with diabetes are also twice as likely to develop other eye diseases, such as cataract and glaucoma. Recent studies have shown that the onset of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented, and the risk of vision loss reduced, through a healthy diet and exercise.

More people are being diagnosed with diabetes each year and by 2020 the number of people suffering with diabetic eye disease will most likely double. “A key to monitoring diabetic eye disease is to have your eyes checked at least once a year,” said Dr. Richard Sturm, managing partner of Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI). “Monitoring and maintaining control of diabetes along with leading a healthier lifestyle can help delay or even prevent the effects of diabetic eye disease in the future.”

Prevent Blindness America (PBA), the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, recommends the following:

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• Visit an eye doctor at least once a year if they have diabetes or are at high risk.

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• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Increase their physical activity.

• Watch and control their blood glucose levels.

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure.

• Quit smoking.

• Receive a full, dilated eye exam if diabetic and pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

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