November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month!

November is here and it's officially National Diabetic Eye Disease Month!

Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataract, and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy however is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults

Diabetic retinopathy in its early stages has no symptoms, however as the disease progresses it affects blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye. Eventually the disease can cause enough damage to the retina to cause permanent and profound vision loss. Check out the following infographic to find out more facts about diabetic retinopathy:

So remember, if you have diabetes, make annual dilated eye exams part of your self-management routine!  Make an appointment with Dr. Schutte or Dr. Bieber to make sure your eyes are healthy.  Appointments are available Monday through Saturday by calling 703-272-8300 or requesting an appointment online.  Most medical and vision plans are accepted.