3 reasons comprehensive exams matter for diabetes
More than 8% of the American population has diabetes. For this large group of at-risk patients, regular dilated eye exams are critical to prevent vision loss.
Because of the damage the disease can do to the retina and other parts of the eye, doctors of optometry should stress the need for regular eye care with these patients. Below are three reasons why.
1. Their risk is higher
People with diabetes have a significantly higher risk for developing eye diseases.
Patients with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma than people without diabetes. They're 60% more likely to develop cataracts, and they tend to get them at a younger age and with faster disease progression. And diabetic retinopathy is one of the most serious sight-threatening complications of diabetes.
2. Symptoms may be invisible
According to the AOA's 2013 American Eye-Q® consumer survey, only 32% of respondents are aware that diabetic eye disease often has no visual signs or symptoms. That is all the more reason to stress the need for regular exams, said Tina MacDonald, O.D., a Certified Diabetes Educator and a member of the AOA's Health Promotions Committee.
"Many eye problems show no symptoms until they are in an advanced stage, and that is why we recommend that people with diabetes in particular have an eye examination by a doctor of optometry at least once a year," Dr. MacDonald said.
3. Early detection matters
Comprehensive exams can help detect disease early—and thereby limit the damage diabetes does to the eyes.
"When the eyes are dilated, an eye doctor is able to examine the retina for signs of diabetic eye disease and prescribe a course of treatment to help preserve an individual's sight," Dr. MacDonald said.
In addition to the recommendation for regular exams, doctors of optometrys should encourage high-risk patients to contact them if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Sudden blurred or double vision
- Trouble reading or focusing on near-work
- Eye pain or pressure
- A noticeable aura or dark ring around lights or illuminated objects
- Visible dark spots in vision or images of flashing lights
Appreciating optometry’s value to patients with diabetes and their primary care physicians
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) reported, in time for National Diabetes Month in November, that total annual costs of diabetes in 2022 was $412.9 billion, most of it in direct medical costs. How can doctors of optometry help in the fight to lower the prevalence of diabetes?
9 benefits of introducing laser procedures into your practice
Doctors of optometry should consider the benefits of adding office-based laser procedures, such as YAG capsulotomy (after cataract surgery) or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT, for glaucoma), to their practice.
5 considerations if you’re thinking about adding laser procedures to your practice
Doctors of optometry are performing office-based laser procedures in 11 states, as AOA affiliates have seen historic scope expansion wins in the past four years and momentum continues to build. Doctors of optometry are pursuing legislation in other states that would allow them to serve their patients at the highest level of their education and training. Some of these optometrists, who have performed hundreds of laser procedures, share key considerations in providing this care to patients.