ARLINGTON, Va., May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Over 34 million American adults currently live with diabetes and an additional 88 million are living with prediabetes, yet 85% of them do not know they have it. People living with diabetes or prediabetes are at an increased risk for developing a diabetes-related eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts. Even more troubling, recent polls indicate that 1 in 4 people are putting off their annual eye exams due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, vision loss from diabetes-related eye disease is 95% preventable with early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care.
In observance of Healthy Vision Month in May, Focus on Diabetes™—a multi-year initiative that brings together the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) and Visionary Partners, VSP® Vision Care and Regeneron to increase awareness about diabetes and eye health, launched The Next Step Eye Challenge to raise awareness