November | Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

More than 24 million Americans have diabetes and the number is growing, but only half of them get an annual dilated eye exam. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, but 90 percent of vision loss can be prevented.

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding the public that an annual dilated eye exam can help prevent vision loss in people with diabetes. The Academy has launched EyeSmart EyeCommitted, which encourages people to show their support for the importance of an annual diabetic eye exam.

The campaign, which is being promoted through social media channels, features an interactive digital component, or “widget.” Through this widget, you can actively pledge to get an annual diabetic eye exam or share the pledge and campaign information with friends and family. In addition, you can:

• Read important diabetic eye disease information and watch a new video that tells the compelling stories of two patients with diabetic retinopathy.
• Post the digital “widget” on your preferred social media sites.
• Display a digital “badge” on social media pages, to show your support for EyeSmart EyeCommitted.

For each pledge, the Academy will commit another $1 to its diabetic eye health education efforts.
Take the EyeSmart EyeCommitted pledge!
Visit the EyeCommitted Web page and show your support for the importance of an annual diabetic eye exam.
You can also learn more about diabetes and your eyes at the EyeSmart Web site, which has new, in-depth information about diabetic eye disease.

1. How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
2. Did You Know?

2009 Eye Health and Safety Observances