Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

This November, during Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, the AOA (American Academy of Ophthalmology) is reminding people that a yearly dilated eye exam can help prevent vision loss in people with diabetes. Along with its partners, the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Macula Society and the Retina Society, the AOA has launched EyeSmart: EyeCommitted, a social media campaign to encourage people with diabetes to get an annual eye exam.

Diabetes can have a devastating impact on vision, but the good news is that regular dilated eye exams by an ophthalmologist and timely treatment, if needed, can save vision for the vast majority of diabetics," said David W. Parke II, MD, executive vice president and CEO of the Academy. "That is why we're urging people with diabetes to get EyeCommitted. By taking charge of their eye health, Americans can greatly reduce their risk of losing their sight from diabetes."

Suggested Reading:

• All About Diabetic Retinopathy
• What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
• Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

_{Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AOA). American Academy Of Ophthalmology Announces New Drive For Thousands To Get Diabetic Eye Exam. Medical News Today, 01 Nov 2009.}