## Increasing Vision Problems Among Young People with Diabetes
**TJGringo.com – Monday, August 12, 2024**
Young adults aged 35 to 40 are increasingly developing vision problems due to diabetes, according to ophthalmologist Dr. Miriam Zamudio. This concerning trend highlights a growing health issue in Baja California, where approximately 18 percent of the population might have diabetes and eventually suffer from related vision issues.
Dr. Zamudio emphasized the alarming rise in young patients experiencing poor vision before even realizing they are diabetic. Often, they feel fine due to controlled hemoglobin levels but fail to recognize the early signs of diabetes.
The health department in Baja California estimates that almost half of all diabetic individuals could experience retinal damage. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retina’s tiny blood vessels, potentially leading to vision loss. Dr. Zamudio notes that diabetic patients need to stabilize their glucose levels to prevent severe vision impairment.
Additionally, about 20 percent of diagnosed diabetics may suffer from diabetic macular edema, a complication that causes swelling in the retina.
It’s crucial for diabetic patients to undergo annual eye exams to detect early signs of vision issues. “When patients notice reduced vision or see floaters, it’s often a sign of advanced diabetic retinopathy, which is concerning because it means the diagnosis has already progressed,” Dr. Zamudio cautioned.
**Secondary Article: Global Surge in Diabetes-Related Vision Issues**
A similar trend is observed worldwide, as more young people develop vision problems associated with diabetes. Recent studies have shown a substantial increase in diabetic retinopathy cases among younger populations in various countries, largely due to the global diabetes epidemic.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that diabetic retinopathy affects nearly one in three Americans with diabetes. This condition is expected to become the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has raised concerns about the surge in diabetic eye disease cases. They emphasize the importance of regular eye screenings and effective diabetes management to mitigate long-term vision complications.
This growing public health issue underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures both locally and globally. Regular medical check-ups, effective diabetes management, and early detection through eye examinations remain key in tackling the escalating problem of diabetes-related vision issues among younger populations.