Originally published January 4 2006
Vision association appeals to diabetics for regular eye exams
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In the interest of effectively managing diabetes, the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment Inc. (A.V.R.E.) has been promoting dilated eye exams every year to diabetics.
The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment Inc. (A.V.R.E.) urges people with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam every year and to remain actively engaged with their health care team in managing their diabetes toward optimal health.
Additionally, pregnant women with diabetes should have an eye exam in the first trimester, since diabetic eye disease can progress rapidly during pregnancy.
Almost one-third of these people are at risk for vision loss and other health problems because they don't know they have the disease.
More than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not adhere to vision care guidelines by obtaining a dilated eye exam every year.
Diabetic eye disease, a group of eye problems that affects those with diabetes, includes diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
High blood sugar levels can weaken blood vessels in the eye's retina causing them to leak blood.
Blood sugar fluctuations can also promote growth of new, fragile blood vessels on the retina, which can break easily and leak blood into the vitreous (the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye.) This can blur vision and lead to permanent vision impairment.
Early diagnosis of diabetes and most importantly, effective control of blood sugar and hypertension through diet and exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing eye diseases associated with diabetes.
Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, schedule a through eye examination including complete dilated exam at least once a year.
In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment to shrink abnormal blood vessels has been shown to reduce the risk of severe vision loss and blindness.
In the Southern Tier of New York and Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment Inc. offers a comprehensive array of services for people with low vision.
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