LV Urban League WIC Stresses Importance of Eye Exams During Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

LAS VEGAS - Nov. 15, 2022 - PRLog -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that less than two-thirds of diabetic people visit an eye specialist for an annual dilated ophthalmic exam. Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is concerned because approximately one-third of Americans with diabetes, Type 1, Type 2 or gestational, can develop diabetic retinopathy, a progressive disease caused by high-blood sugar levels that may damage the retina.

"Rates for necessary annual screenings are even lower among children and adolescents with diabetes," WIC Program Nutritionist Rewina Tsegay said. "And less than half of youth with Type 2 diabetes receive an exam within six years of being diagnosed with diabetes. It's extremely important to get yearly eye examinations for both control of vision problems and to slow down worsening eyesight issues."

For good eye health, WIC recommends that adults and children:

• Get a dilated eye examination at least once a year,
• Keep your blood sugar levels in your target range as much as possible,
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in your target range to lower your risk of eye diseases and vision loss,
• Quit smoking,
• Stay active. Physical activity protects your eyes and helps manage diabetes,
• Ask your doctor for a referral to a diabetes self-management education and support group.

"Remember to educate family and friends about diabetic eye disease," Tsegay added. "Preventing vision loss and blindness is a leading public health challenge. Getting yearly eye exams to prevent and slow the rate of vision loss is very important."

For more information, visit the Las Vegas Urban League WIC at https://www.wiclv.org or its two convenient locations: 6480 W. Flamingo Road, Suite B, Las Vegas, phone (702) 227-1573 or 3320 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 50, Las Vegas, phone (702) 476-9561.

The Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants and Children Program is a 501c (3) program that is funded by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.