Originally published November 27 2005
Diabetic retinopathy the leading cause of blindness in the U.S.
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
During National Diabetes Month, health organizations are urging people to get eye exams, a key test for detecting diabetes in its early stages.
As America's waistline has grown, so has its propensity towards developing diabetes, a very serious disease and major health concern in this country.
While medication, exercise and diet can help combat the disease, ongoing research is also aiding the growing population of diabetics.
Diabetic eye disease refer to types of eye problems that stem from complications of the disease.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
It is the most common form of diabetic eye disease and it is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.
It can be used to seal leaking blood vessels.
It can also shrink new blood vessels growing on the retina and can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by as much as 90 percent.
Studies show that controlling blood sugar retards the onset and progression of the eye disease.
Studies show they are twice as likely to get a cataract or to develop glaucoma as other adults.
If you have diabetes, an annual eye examination is recommended.
According to the American Diabetes Association, detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease can reduce the development of severe vision loss by 50 to 60 percent.
This month is National Diabetes Month, a time when the American Diabetes Association (1-800-DIABETES) elevates its efforts to educate the public about the many complications associated with diabetes.
Glaucoma, cataract and corneal disease are more common in diabetic patients and contribute to high blindness rates.
The Eye Institute of Texarkana, 2931 Richmond Road, will be conducting diabetic retinal screenings Thursday at its offices.
The screenings will be done using the Optomap Retinal Scanner, a low-energy laser that takes an image of the retina in a fraction of a second.
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