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Early detection can help save eyesight  Loss of eyesight in people with diabetes is a national health problem, and  MUSC Storm Eye Institute  is doing something about it.   “We are urging all people with diabetes to get a dilated eye exam at least once a year,” said Carolyn C. Cavanaugh, R.N., patient educator at the Storm Eye Institute. “The facts are these: Diabetic eye disease can cause as many as 25,000 cases of blindness every year. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than those without diabetes. Yet the only way to diagnose early signs of diabetic eye disease is through a yearly dilated eye exam.”   “One of the most frightening things about diabetic eye disease is that there may be no early warning signs and symptoms,” said Sarah Elsing, M.D., retina specialist. “People with diabetic eye disease do not realize that their eyesight is slowly deteriorating. And because there are no symptoms and vision seems to be normal, people with diabetes might not make it a health priority to visit an eye care professional.”   Arman Farr, M.D., retina specialist at the institute said postponing annual dilated eye exams could lead to trouble later on, when diabetes begins to affect a person’s eyesight.   “Eyesight lost from diabetes usually cannot be restored ,” said Elsing,  “Yet in about 90 percent of those who would otherwise become blind, the early detection of diabetic eye disease through annual dilated eye exams, as well as laser surgery when needed, has helped preserve vision.”    Cavanaugh said nearly half of the nation’s estimated 16 million people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Other eye problems that can develop in people with diabetes include cataract and glaucoma.   “The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is that person will develop diabetic retinopathy. However, studies have shown that people with diabetes who keep their blood sugar levels as normal as possible slow the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy and lessen the need for laser surgery. This may also help reduce other complications from the disease, such as kidney disease, stroke, and nerve damage,” said Farr.   A free brochure, “Don’t Lose Sight of Diabetic Eye Disease,” is available by calling 792-4735 or by writing to Diabetic Eye Disease, 2020 Vision Place, Bethesda, MD, 20892-3655.   The MUSC Storm Eye Institute is promoting the awareness of preventable blindness from diabetes by offering a free diabetic retinopathy screening on Friday, Dec. 7, by appointment. To make an appointment, call MUSC Health Connections at 792-1414.