Did You Know?

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. And nearly half of those will develop some degree of diabetic eye disease, primarily diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy is an impairment of the retina — the light-sensing, nerve-rich area in the back of the eye that is crucial for sight.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans. The condition typically develops quietly, without early warning signs. The damage to the eye can occur slowly and is hard to detect without regular and accurate monitoring.

Between 80 to 85 percent of diabetics will develop some degree of retinopathy during their lifetime. Individuals who have Type I diabetes are more likely to develop the condition than those with Type II diabetes. If patients with diabetic retinopathy are treated properly before the retina is severely damaged, there is an excellent chance of stabilizing the disease and stopping the progression.

Detecting diabetic retinopathy early can save your vision and the specialists at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute can help.
Swagel Wootton Eye Institute has the latest diagnostic equipment and provides a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease. Regular eye exams with your Swagel Wootton Eye Institute doctor, good medical management of blood sugar and blood pressure, along with timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and blindness.