A new global study indicates that diabetes-related vision loss is on the rise. Researchers at Nova Southeastern university in Florida in collaboration with the Vision and Eye Care Unit at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK analyzed visual impairment cases between 1990 and 2010. They noted that diabetes-related vision loss has risen by 64 percent with the vast majority being the result of a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.
Although eyesight issues are not unique to any one country, diabetics in South Asia, North America, the Middle East and West Sub-Sarahan Africa suffer the highest likelihood of being stricken with diabetic retinopathy.
But as frightening as these results may seem, the researchers did indicate one possible cause for the increase in retinopathy cases is the increased lifespan of people with diabetes, meaning the longer you live, the greater your likelihood of developing retinopathy.
Although eyesight issues are not unique to any one country, diabetics in South Asia, North America, the Middle East and West Sub-Sarahan Africa suffer the highest likelihood of being stricken with diabetic retinopathy.
Research suggest that people diagnosed with diabetes should schedule a dilated eye health exam at least every year and be advised by their eye care practitioner regarding their vision concerns. Patients, should also work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best methods to keep their blood sugar levels in check.
