November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 180 million people worldwide have diabetes, according to 2005 figures. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention.
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. It affects the tiny blood vessels of the retina. Diabetic retinopathy affects over 4.4 million Americans age 40 and older. Diabetes also increases the risk of other eye diseases such as cataract and glaucoma. Along with age-related macular degeneration, cataract and glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy contributes to an approximate annual cost to the U.S. of $35.4 billion. Persons diagnosed with diabetes should get a dilated eye exam annually.
For more information on diabetes and your eyes, go to:
http://www.preventblindness.org/diabetes/patcommunity/pat_community.htm
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Prevent Blindness America Advocates for Eye and Vision Health
Prevent Blindness America is currently conducting key fall district visits to House and Senate Members who are crucial decision-makers about funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vision Health Initiative.
Since 2003, Prevent Blindness America and the CDC have been partners on a national vision health collaboration, aimed at strengthening and stimulating a public health effort to reduce and control vision problems in the United States. With funding from the CDC and assistance from other national vision partners, Prevent Blindness America is currently engaged in a multi-faceted national vision initiative, which will examine intervention models for identifying and treating individuals with potential vision disorders in both pediatric and adult populations.
At this time in our nation, when we are discussing health care reform, the Vision Health Initiative is a prime example of a successful public-private partnership serving Americans' health care needs through their eye and vision health. Half of all blindness can be prevented through education, early detection and treatment.
For more information about the CDC's Vision Health Initiative, go to http://www.cdc.gov./visionhealth/
For more information about Prevent Blindness America and your eye health, go to: http://www.preventblindness.org/.
Since 2003, Prevent Blindness America and the CDC have been partners on a national vision health collaboration, aimed at strengthening and stimulating a public health effort to reduce and control vision problems in the United States. With funding from the CDC and assistance from other national vision partners, Prevent Blindness America is currently engaged in a multi-faceted national vision initiative, which will examine intervention models for identifying and treating individuals with potential vision disorders in both pediatric and adult populations.
At this time in our nation, when we are discussing health care reform, the Vision Health Initiative is a prime example of a successful public-private partnership serving Americans' health care needs through their eye and vision health. Half of all blindness can be prevented through education, early detection and treatment.
For more information about the CDC's Vision Health Initiative, go to http://www.cdc.gov./visionhealth/
For more information about Prevent Blindness America and your eye health, go to: http://www.preventblindness.org/.
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