During November, American Diabetes Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds everyone with Diabetes to protect their vision by having a dilated eye exam once a year. Eye problems are among the most common complications facing people with Diabetes. After 15 years with the disease, almost 80 percent of people with Type 1 Diabetes will have some form of eye disease.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans, but early detection and treatment can usually prevent permanent vision loss. Risk of developing this disease increases with the number of years a person has had Diabetes.

Pregnant women with Diabetes should have an eye exam in the first trimester because diabetic eye disease can progress rapidly during pregnancy. Contact an optometrist if you have Diabetes or if you notice vision changes that last more than a few days or if the change affects only one eye.

Keeping blood sugar under control decreases the risk of many complications, including eye disease. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision loss. In addition, it is especially important to keep good blood sugar levels for a few days before having an eye exam for glasses to ensure that you get the right prescription.

Crockett Resource Center for Independent Living (CRCIL), hosts a Diabetic Support Group on the 1st and 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. These meetings are open to everyone and are free of charge.

For more information, contact Crockett Resource Center for Independent Living,

1020 Loop 304 East, Crockett, Texas, 936-544- 2811.