According to the CDC, over 100 million Americans are living with either a diabetes or pre-diabetes diagnosis. While diabetes can affect many different aspects of your overall health, it can also lead to complications with your eye health that you may not be able to detect on your own.

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes and a major cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in the back part of the eye, also known as the retina, are damaged by high levels of sugar in the blood.

Damage to the retina can include hemorrhaging, macular edema, retinal ischemia from lack of oxygen, and retinal detachments.

Studies have shown the longer you have been a diabetic, the more at risk you are to have diabetic retinopathy. The best way to control diabetes is by taking medication/insulin, diet, and exercise.

To protect your vision, it is important to get a dilated eye exam yearly.

Damage to the retina can include hemorrhaging, macular edema, retinal ischemia from lack of oxygen, and retinal detachments.

Studies have shown the longer you have been a diabetic, the more at risk you are to have diabetic retinopathy. The best way to control diabetes is by taking medication/insulin, diet, and exercise.

To protect your vision, it is important to get a dilated eye exam yearly.