Prevent Blindness is providing free educational resources to raise awareness of diabetes-related vision loss and encourage regular eye examinations as part of Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Month in November.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) most recent National Diabetes Statistics Report, approximately 40.1 million Americans, or 12% of the US population, have diabetes, and an estimated 115.2 million adults have prediabetes. Although annual eye examinations are recommended for people with diabetes, the CDC reports that 60% of individuals who have diabetes do not receive annual eye exams. Prevent Blindness noted that diabetic retinopathy affects more than 1 in 4 people who have diabetes and is a leading cause of blindness among working-age American adults. Diabetic macular edema, which can occur with diabetic retinopathy, may cause blurred vision due to fluid accumulation in the macula. The organization also highlighted other ocular complications associated with diabetes, including cataracts and glaucoma. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, diabetes doubles the likelihood of developing glaucoma.
“Vision loss from diabetes is not inevitable, but protecting sight requires awareness, access to care, and early action,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness, in a press release. “We want everyone living with diabetes to understand their risks, recognize the importance of annual eye exams, and know that resources are available to help them protect their vision.”
To support patient education, Prevent Blindness offers free fact sheets, informational videos, and social media resources in English and Spanish. Topics include diabetes-related retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, eye examinations, and strategies for protecting vision. The organization's Eye Health Audio Library is available anytime at (833) 998-5850 and provides confidential audio guidance in English and Spanish on managing diabetes, preparing for eye appointments, and preventing vision loss. Users can also request text summaries with links to additional resources.
For eyecare professionals, diabetes educators, and community health organizations, Prevent Blindness offers its Diabetes & the Eyes Educational Toolkit, which includes a downloadable educator course with a PowerPoint presentation, instructional script, pre- and post-tests, and course evaluation materials. The toolkit is available for free by request. Additional educational programming includes a November episode of the Focus on Eye Health Podcast featuring endocrinologist Sonalika Khachikian, MD, who discusses diabetes, Graves' disease, thyroid eye disease, and their effects on vision.
Prevent Blindness also maintains a diabetes-related eye disease video library and provides information about organizations that offer financial assistance for vision care.
Additional resources are available at preventblindness.org/diabetes, and the educational toolkit is accessible through the organization's Diabetes & the Eyes Educational Toolkit page.