November is American Diabetes Month, and as we have in previous years, we’re focusing on letting people know the important connection between your eye health and diabetes.

Did you know there are about 38.4 million American adults living with diabetes, and 84% of them do not know they have it? In addition, an estimated 97.6 million adults in the US have prediabetes.

But what does that have to do with vision? Listen to VSP network doctor Jennifer Chinn, OD, explain more in the video below.

The Impacts of Diabetes on the Eyes

Anyone with diabetes is at risk for diabetes-related eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, as well as glaucoma and cataracts. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause in new cases of blindness in adults aged 18–64 years.

The good news is, the National Eye Institute estimates that 95% of vision loss associated with diabetes can be prevented with an annual eye exam and appropriate follow-up care. An annual eye exam is a must for everyone’s health and well-being – and especially for those living with diabetes or prediabetes – as it offers a simple but effective way to prevent or delay disease and vision loss caused by diabetes.

Take our quiz to test your knowledge about eye health and diabetes!

Taking Action

That’s why VSP Vision is a proud Visionary Partner of the American Diabetes Association’s Focus on Diabetes initiative. Together, we’re working to prevent diabetes-related eye disease and preserve eyesight for those at-risk for or living with diabetes.

Are you a VSP member? Use your vision benefits to schedule your annual eye exam at a VSP Premier Edge™ location near you. And as a VSP member, you have access to exclusive savings on everything from glasses and contacts to diabetes management tools. Visit our Exclusive Member Extras page for more information!

Want to know more about your risk for diabetes? Take the American Diabetes Association Risk Test to see if you or a loved one might be at risk for prediabetes or diabetes.

Premier Edge is not available for some members in the state of Texas. 

Article provided by VSP. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.