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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Lauren Weber
Franco Public Relations Group
 O: (313) 567-5048
weber@franco.com

Unchecked Diabetes May Lead to Major Eye Issues

The Michigan Optometric Association reminds residents of the importance of comprehensive eye exams during November’s National Diabetes Month

LANSING, Mich. – (November 10, 2008) – To combat eye diseases related to diabetes and commemorate National Diabetes Awareness Month, optometrists from the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) are calling for Michigan residents with diabetes to get a comprehensive eye exam every year to detect early signsof diabetic eye disease.

Many times optometrists serve as the first line of detection for diabetes, since the eye is the only part of the body blood vessels can be directly viewed. Current research has shown that up to 20 percent of diabetics are first diagnosed through a visit to an optometrist.

Diabetic retinopathy is known as the most serious eye problem associated with diabetes and may occur when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eyes, resulting in blood leakage, the growth of new blood vessels and other changes. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is critical and if left untreated, blindness can result.

“Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and is considered to be one of the major causes of blindness and other serious visual impairments,” said Dr. Matthew Johnson, MOA member. “People with diabetes are 25 to 30 times more likely to lose their sight from retinopathy, cataracts or glaucoma than those without diabetes.”

The National Eye Institute reports that about half of the diabetic population in America has early signs of diabetic retinopathy or serious retinal disease. Each year, about 65,000 Americans progress to proliferative retinopathy, the most sight-threatening stage of the disease. Additionally, as many as 25,000 people go blind from diabetic retinopathy each year.

Often times, no symptoms are present in the early stages of diabetic eye disease, which can mislead a person to believe nothing is wrong. Symptoms associated with more severe complications of diabetes can include: fluctuating or blurring vision, occasional double vision, night vision problems and flashes and floaters within the eyes.

“Because diabetic eye disease often begins with no symptoms and as a result of the delayed diagnosis, as many as 50 percent of patients are diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective,” said Dr. Johnson. “A comprehensive annual eye exam is vital for people of all ages – especially those with diabetes, to maintain vision and overall health and detect diseases early.”

Key facts about diabetes:

  • More than 23.6 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
  • There are 885,000 adults in Michigan who have been diagnosed with
    diabetes. While an estimated 593,200 have been diagnosed, 292,000 people
    (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.
  • Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults ages 20 to 74.
  • People with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop glaucoma.
  • People with diabetes are 60 percent more likely to develop cataracts.

To locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor, visit the MOA Web site at www.themoa.org and click on the Vision Care tab.

About the Michigan Optometric Association
The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.

[Dr. Johnson is available for interviews. Please contact Lauren Weber at (313) 567-5048.]

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