Show #376 Airing Sunday, 2/25/07
If you’re diabetic, you’re probably used to testing your blood sugar and watching what you eat. But are you watching your vision too? Here to examine why eye exams are vital for diabetics, and to share news about a free vision-testing program, is Dr. Alice Petrulis, medical director of Ohio KePRO.
Question:When we think of diabetes, we think of controlling our sugar. How does that affect our eyesight?
Answer: Out-of-control blood sugar affects the small blood vessels throughout the body-in the brain, heart, kidneys, and the eyes. This can lead to diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in adults.
Question:What is diabetic retinopathy?
Answer: Diabetic retinopathy is caused when the small blood vessels in the eye hemorrhage and impair vision.
Question:What are the symptoms?
Answer: That's the thing-there are no symptoms until the disease is very far along. This is why it's vital for those with diabetes to have an annual eye exam regardless of symptoms.
Question:Is this like the exam for adjusting your glasses?
Answer: No. The test for diabetic retinopathy requires that your pupil is dilated so that your provider can look at the retina to see if new blood vessels are being formed. If they are, laser treatment is available that can help.
Question:Is this dilated eye exam covered by Medicare?
Answer: Yes, the exam is covered by Medicare on a yearly basis; however, Medicare beneficiaries will still have a deductible.
Right now, however, a program called Eye Care America is offering eye exams for Medicare beneficiaries that are free of out-of-pocket charge to the patient. Dozens of ophthalmologists in the area have joined the program.
Question:How can we qualify? Where can we go for the exam?
Answer: These free exams are available for those who meet the following eligibility:
- Diagnosed with diabetes
- Are a US citizen or in the country legally
- Aged 65 and older
- It's been three years since their last eye exam, and
- They are Medicare beneficiaries or have minimal/no insurance
You may see one of these posters around. There is a tear-off sheet with information on how to schedule a free exam. However, you can call the number that's next to find a doctor in your area.
If you have diabetes, don't be blind to the necessity of yearly vision screens. Give Eye Care America a call to learn where you can receive no fee eye exams. The number's next. My thanks to Dr. Alice Petrulis.
