Despite the fact that diabetics are at increased risk of developing serious eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, some 60 percent of diabetics do not schedule yearly, sight-saving eye examinations. According to a large study presented at the 120th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, researchers at the Willis Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, more than half of the diabetic patients skip their eye exams. The researchers noted that the patients who smoked and who had less severe diabetes were the most likely to avoid their eye exams.
Collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers reviewed charts of close to 2000 type 1 and type 2 diabetics who were 40 years of age and older to determine how many were getting their annual eye exams.
The four-year study noted that 58 percent of patients did not have regular follow-up examinations of their eyes. Smokers were even less likely to have the exam. Twenty percent less likely in fact. Diabetics with less severe symptoms and no eye problems were the least likely to have their eyes examined, while diabetics already suffering from diabetic retinopathy were 30 percent more likely to attend their follow-up eye exams.
Currently, one in 10 Americans is diagnosed with diabetes The disease increases their risk of developing visual impairment caused by retinopathy. The disease can also cause blinding ocular complications when not treated soon enough. But a yearly dilated eye exam can prevent 95 percent of diabetes, related loss of vision.
“Vision loss is tragic, especially when it is preventable,” said Ann P. Murchison, M.D., M.P.H., lead author of the study and director of the eye emergency department at Wills Eye Hospital. “That’s why we want to raise awareness and ensure people with diabetes understand the importance of regular eye exams.”
If you are 65 years of age or older, you may be eligible to get a medical eye exam at no cost through Eye Care America, a public service program of the Academy. For more information about diabetic eye disease, visit the Academy’s EyeSmart website.
