A new study has made a concerning discovery: about 10 million Americans might go blind because of an eye problem linked to diabetes. This eye problem is called diabetic retinopathy.
A shocking 26% of Americans with diabetes are facing this threat. Even more concerning is that 2 million of these folks are at risk of the most severe form of this disease, which directly threatens vision.
David Rein, who led the study at the University of Chicago, mentioned, “There’s been a huge spike in diabetes over the last two decades in the U.S.
This also means more people are at risk of eye problems from diabetes. Regular eye check-ups are so important for these folks.”
Understanding the Problem
So, what exactly is diabetic retinopathy? Dr. Talia Kaden, an eye doctor in New York City, explained that diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in our eyes.
“When these vessels get damaged, parts of the eye might not get enough blood.
This can cause swelling, bleeding, or even the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye,” she said. If we don’t catch and treat this early, it can lead to blindness.
The study found that today, 1 in 4 Americans over 40 has some sort of eye problem due to diabetes. This is double the number from almost 20 years ago.
Young folks aren’t spared either. For those below 25 with diabetes, more than 1 in 10 have this eye problem. For those between 25 to 39, it’s nearly 1 in 5.
David Rein also highlighted that Black and Hispanic Americans face a higher risk (9% and 7% respectively) than white Americans (4%).
He believes that this might be because of factors like poverty, limited access to healthcare, and poor lifestyle choices. Different states also have different rates of this disease.
For instance, Hawaii had a high of 34% while Nevada had a low of 21%. Places with more poverty, especially in the South, showed higher rates.
What Can We Do?
The good news is that catching this eye problem early can make a big difference. David Rein and Dr. Kaden both emphasize the importance of regular eye check-ups for those with diabetes.
Dr. Kaden advises, “Every diabetic should see an eye doctor once a year. If there’s an issue, they might need to go more often, even monthly.”
Thankfully, there are treatments that can help. Dr. Kaden mentioned using injections, medications, and even lasers to treat the damage caused by this disease.
Xiangrong Kong, another expert from Johns Hopkins University, stated that taking care of our eyes should be a top priority for those with diabetes.
Everyone – from patients to doctors to policymakers – should be active in preventing blindness.
In a nutshell, if you or someone you know has diabetes, regular eye check-ups can make all the difference. The study’s findings serve as a reminder of the silent threats posed by diabetes and the importance of preventive care.
If you care about eye health, please read studies about how to save your eyes from diabetes, and the treatments of dry eye you need to know.
For more information about eye disease, please see recent studies about how to protect your eyes from glaucoma, and results showing this eye surgery may reduce dementia risk.
The study was published in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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