Diabetes retinopathy is the most serious side effect of diabetes. A condition where the elevated blood sugar levels cause damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes - retinopathy - has no early symptoms.

Therefore it becomes important that diabetic patients undergo early eye examination.

The American Diabetes Association recommends dilated eye exams for diabetes patients at least once a year, but the figures show that in 1998, only 47% did get the exam. The objective is to get this figure up to 75% by 2010.

According to figures from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research, minorities have a higher disposition for diabetes than the white population and, in addition, some groups also have a greater risk of diabetes related complications. In some cases the risk can be as high as 50% more than in the total population.

So, have you been recently diagnosed with diabetes? Have an eye examination as soon as possible. It is for your own good.

Find more details from the Center of Advancement of Health.

[Photo Credit: Mobile Eye Doc]