Diabetes and Medicare Benefits to Save Your Vision

Next month is called Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in an effort to remind older Americans with diabetes that Medicare will cover their eye exams. For those living with diabetes, eye exams are critical because of an increased risk of vision loss and blindness. Luckily, with proper care and regular visits, diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented.

About 30 percent of those living with diabetes are affected by diabetic retinopathy. This condition damages small blood vessels in the eye, resulting in the vessels leaking and growing irregularly. Additionally, diabetes can lead to other blinding ocular complications, like that of diabetic macular edema.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that those with diabetes get a yearly exam where they have their eyes dilated as well. Eye exams help in early detection and can prevent up to 95 percent of diabetes-related vision loss. Medicare typically covers the cost of your exam, but it’s always best to talk to Dr. Wilmarth in regards to your plan, as plans do vary.??In many cases, older individuals are not aware that their exams are covered and how critical they really are to their eye health. During a comprehensive exam, it allows for detection of conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma as well.

If you are living with diabetes and have not been keeping up with your eye exams, contact Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center at (916) 850-3060 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Wilmarth today! He care for patients from Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville and Lincoln.