PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Millions of Americans with diabetes are at risk of vision problems but don’t know it.
Left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to blindness. In fact, many people don’t know that one of the most important parts of being treated for diabetes is having eyes examined on a yearly basis. This is because high blood sugar and high blood pressure can damage vital parts of the eye, including the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy, as it is called, affects more than 7 million Americans.
People with diabetes are also twice as likely to develop cataracts, and twice as likely to develop glaucoma.
The good news is that these are preventable, as long as they are caught early and treated properly.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.