Statement On New Diabetes Statistics From Lighthouse International, A Leader In Vision Health Care
Unless the disease is controlled, a growing number of Americans will experience vision impairment and even blindness
According to new data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of Americans who have diabetes has increased to 24 million. This alarming growth in only two years has enormous implications for the vision health of millions of Americans. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among people ages 20-74.
According to the National Eye Institute, about 4.1 million American adults currently have diabetic retinopathy. By 2020 that number is projected to grow to 7.2 million. Furthermore, the CDC currently estimates that 12,000 - 24,000 people go blind every year from diabetic retinopathy. As millions more people now have diabetes, this number could certainly increase.
According to Tara A. Cortes, RN, PhD, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, a leader in vision healthcare, "While many people associate diabetes with cholesterol, they do not realize the relationship between diabetes and eye disease. We strongly recommend that people who have diabetes get an annual eye exam to head off serious eye complications. By being proactive and controlling the disease, you can prevent vision loss and the progression of diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness."
To preserve vision health, people who have diabetes need to:
- control their glucose
- lower their blood pressure
- stop smoking
- control their cholesterol
For people in the greater New York area, Lighthouse International has a new Diabetes Center, where a diabetes educator and other specialists inform and empower people with diabetes to effectively manage the disease and prevent serious vision-related complications. The Center is integrated into Lighthouse International's comprehensive services for people of all ages with impaired vision, which include low vision exams, vision rehabilitation, occupational therapy and mental health. The goal of all Lighthouse services is to enable patients to remain productive and independent.
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.
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