Protect Those Peepers

Diabetes can have serious complications, including diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy occurs when the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina of the eye become damaged over time. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of blindness in this country today.

Joslin Diabetes Center's Beetham Eye Institute has issued a friendly reminder about keeping on top of your eye health.

• Diabetic eye disease can be painless until it reaches very advanced stages, and the earlier you can catch it, the more likely you can preserve your sight.
• You can have perfect vision and still have diabetic eye disease.
• An annual dilated eye exam can identify eye complications early on.
• If your doctor finds early signs of diabetic eye disease, a number of treatments may be recommended, including laser eye surgery, contact lenses, glasses and medications.
• Keeping your A1C (average monthly blood glucose levels) on target, controlling blood pressure and quitting smoking also can help preserve vision and prevent vision loss.

For even more words of wisdom about diabetic retinopathy and eye health visit the Joslin Diabetes Center.