Did you know that diabetes affects more than 29 million people in the United States or more than nine percent of the population? If that doesn't give you a reason to pause and ponder, think about this: More than one out of three individuals have pre-diabetes, a condition that increases the risk for developing diabetes. People with diabetes – whether it is Type 1 or Type 2 -- are at risk for eye disease like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Approximately 7.7 million people age 40 and older have diabetic retinopathy. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), this number is projected to increase to approximately 11 million people within the next 15 years. Optometrist and blogger Dr. Susan Lake wrote in a recent blog post that "up to 80% of patients who have been diagnosed for more than 10 years suffer from some degree of retinopathy. This damage is primarily to the blood vessels that run throughout the retina and supply the most fragile macular region responsible for the patient’s central vision." Fortunately, there's hope for people with diabetic retinopathy. Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by up to 95 percent. Optometrists can greatly influence patients with diabetes by talking to them about protecting sight. Here's seven reminders you can share during a visit:

• Maintaining good control of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can slow the development and progress of diabetic eye disease.
• A comprehensive dilated eye exam is needed at least once a year.
• Medications need to be taken as directed
• Quit smoking or better yet, don’t pick up the habit.
• Incorporating physical activity to one’s lifestyle can reap big benefits. (In fact, moderate physical exercise, like walking three times a week, can lower intraocular pressure and improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve.)
• Reaching as well as maintaining a healthy weight is very important.
• Proper nutrition is critical to maintaining optimal eye health – especially for people who have diabetes.

To expand on that last reminder, those with diabetes are more likely to have a low macular pigment optical density. Low macular pigment density is a key risk factor for Age-related Macular Degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss for people 55 and older. Macular pigment, located in the back of the eye, is made up of the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein. This pigment acts as a pair of internal sunglasses, shielding rods and cones from damaging UV rays and harmful blue light. The density of macular pigment can also affect visual performance. The nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein can only be obtained by eating foods rich in these antioxidants or taking a supplement containing these carotenoids. EyePromise DVS is a comprehensive, science-based retinal health formula containing zeaxanthin and lutein as well as other ingredients to support blood vessel health -- which is essential in preserving healthy vision. EyePromise DVS is designed to not only support retinal metabolism, structure, and function but combat oxidative stress and increase macular pigment density. For more information, please e-mail us at support@eyepromise.com or download our Patient Education Guide below.