Prevent Blindness America debuts diabetic eye disease awareness campaign

CHICAGO — A volunteer eye health and safety organization has introduced a new program that seeks to educate the public on the potential effects diabetes may have on one's vision.

Prevent Blindness America said its "Live Right, Save Sight!" campaign provides free information on diabetic eye disease — including such complications as diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that weakens the small blood vessels in the retina — including risk factors, treatment options and Medicare benefits, as well as a dedicated Web page at PreventBlindness.org/diabetes. The organization also outlines recommendations to diabetics on ways to maintain their eye sight.

"The diabetes epidemic that we are facing is very serious and the resulting complications from this disease can be devastating to our health," Prevent Blindness America president and CEO Hugh Parry said. "The good news is that by making a committed effort to leading a healthy lifestyle today, we can help delay or even prevent developing diabetes and its effects in the future."

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