ST. LOUIS, Nov. 2, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- A recent survey by the American Optometric Association (AOA), the American Eye-Q(tm), revealed that while more than 60 percent of adults know that diabetes is detectable through a comprehensive eye exam, only 38 percent of adults who do not wear glasses or contacts have been to an eye doctor in the last two years.
Almost 21 million people in the United States have diabetes and over six million of those are undiagnosed. Additionally, an estimated 54 million Americans aged 40 to 74 have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the number one cause of acquired blindness.
Individuals who are at high risk for diabetes need to have regular, dilated eye exams and all individuals with known diabetes need to have dilated eye exams each year, according to Robert Layman, O.D. and Chair of the AOA's Diabetes Eye Care Project Team. "Individuals should consider an eye exam the first line of detection for this serious disease and its complications," said Dr. Layman. "Fortunately, in nearly all cases, diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication of diabetes and sometimes the very first sign of diabetes, can be diagnosed during a dilated eye exam in which drops are put into the eyes."
Dr. Layman adds that on many occasions, other health-threatening conditions may be discovered during an eye exam. "We can uncover unique signs that may even save someone's life. The effects of high blood pressure, anemia and elevated blood cholesterol can be seen during a dilated eye exam because the eye is the only place within the body that blood vessels can be seen in their natural state. For this very reason, Leonardo DaVinci often referred to the eye as the 'window to the body.'"
According to Michael Duenas, O.D. and health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Diabetes Translation, "patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy may not notice any changes in their vision, especially during the early treatable stages of the disease, this fact emphasizes the importance of all individuals with diabetes having yearly dilated eye examinations by an optometrist or ophthalmologist."
"Affordability, continuity, and regular sources of care, as well as physician advice remain core factors significantly associated with receiving this needed care," said Dr. Duenas. "There is an obvious disconnect between adults' knowledge and their actions when it comes to comprehensive eye exams," said Dr. Layman. He adds, "This is very unfortunate considering that 12,000 to 24,000 people unnecessarily lose their vision yearly because of diabetes complications that can often be prevented through early detection and timely treatment."
Key facts about diabetes:
-- More than 21 million people in the United States have diabetes.
-- 6.2 million people with diabetes are unaware they have the disease.
-- An estimated 54 million Americans aged 40 to 74 (40.1 percent of
the U.S. population in this age group) have prediabetes a condition
that puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
-- Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among
adults ages 20 to 74.
-- People with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop
glaucoma.
-- People with diabetes are 60 percent more likely to develop
cataracts.
About the American Optometric Association (AOA):
The American Optometric Association represents more than 34,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors.
American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient's overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Doctors of optometry have the skills and training to provide more than two-thirds of all primary eye care in the United States.
Prior to optometry school, optometrists undergo three to four years of undergraduate study that typically culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree in a field such as biology or chemistry. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care. For more information, visit www.aoa.org.
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