Objective 28-5
Diabetic Eye Disease
Reduce visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy
This objective was the focus of Healthy Vision Month 2004
People with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss. Because early diagnosis and timely treatment have been shown to prevent vision loss in more than 90 percent of patients, health care practice guidelines recommend an annual dilated eye exam for all people with diabetes. Studies indicate, however, that many people with diabetes do not get an annual dilated eye exam. An estimated 50 percent of patients are diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective.
Data Source
Baseline: 45.9 per 1,000 persons aged 18 years and older with
diabetes had trouble seeing and diabetic retinopathy in 2002 (age adjusted to
the year 2000 standard population).
Target: 40.9 per 1,000 persons 18 years and over who have diabetes.
Target Setting Method: Better than the best.
Data source: National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Operational definition: This is a valuable tool that allows individuals to set measurable Healthy Vision objectives for their own communities.
|
People 18 years and over with diabetes |
Rate per 1000 |
|
|
45.9 |
|
Race and ethnicity |
|
American Indian or Alaska Native only |
DSU |
|
Asian or Pacific Islander only |
DSU |
|
Asian only |
DSU |
|
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander only |
DSU |
|
Black or African American only |
DNA |
|
White only |
46.7 |
|
2 or more races |
DSU |
|
American Indian or Alaska Native; White |
DSU |
|
Black or African American; White |
DSU |
|
Hispanic or Latino |
73.3 |
|
Non Hispanic or Latino |
41.9 |
|
Black or African American only, not Hisp/Latino |
DSU |
|
White only, not Hispanic or Latino |
41.0 |
|
Gender |
|
Female |
46.8 |
|
Male |
46.6 |
|
Education level (persons 25 years and over) |
|
Under 12 years |
58.9 |
|
12 years |
44.9 |
|
13 years and over |
47.4 |
Legend:
DNA = Data have not been analyzed.
DNC = Data for specific population are not collected.
DSU = Data do not meet the criteria for statistical reliability, data quality, or confidentiality.
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Organizational Resources
If your organization has materials and/or programs to support this objective, contact Linda Huss lmh@nei.nih.gov.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
655 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109-1336
Tel: (415) 561-8500
Fax: (415) 561-8533
http://www.aao.org
Contact: Georgia Alward, (415) 447-0258, eyemd@aao.org
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest international
membership association of Eye M.D.s. EyeM.D.s are ophthalmologists, medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy
who provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical
care. More than 90 percent of practicing U.S. Eye M.D.s are Academy members,
and the Academy has more than 7,000 international members. Academy members are
committed to responding compassionately to their patients' individual needs and
to advancing the highest standards of eye care.
Resources
- Diabetic Eye Disease
- Diabetic Retinopathy Patient Brochure - a sample brochure is available at no cost by calling (415) 447-0258 or visiting the Academy Store to order.
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American Association of Diabetes Educators
100 W. Monroe, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 424-2426
1-800-338-3633
http://www.diabeteseducator.org
Contact: Lois J. Book, EdD, MS, BSN, RN, lbook@aadenet.org
The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) is a professional membership organization dedicated to advancing the practice of diabetes self-management training (DSMT). Also called diabetes education, DSMT gives patients the knowledge and skills training to be able to effectively manage their diabetes on a daily basis. Through a collaborative process, diabetes educators help their patients identify barriers, facilitate problem solving and develop coping strategies.
Resources:
- Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy: An Introduction to One Diabetes Complication for Healthcare Providers-A co-provided presentation planned and developed with the American Optometric Association (available Spring 2004)
- A CORE Curriculum for Diabetes Education, 5th Edition–The premiere resource in the field of diabetes self-management, care and research
- Almost every diabetes educator who works with adults will at some time encounter
individuals with both diabetes and visual impairment. Now available to diabetes
educators is a guide titled, A Quick Guide - When Your Patient Has Visual
Impairment: What to do? For a downloadable copy visit:http://207.36.37.10/EducationalCampaigns/HVM.html.
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American Diabetes Association (ADA)
1701 N. Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311-1717
Tel: (703) 299-2069
Toll Free: 1-800-342-2383 (general diabetes information)
E-mail: AskADA@diabetes.org
http://www.diabetes.org
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization concerned with diabetes and its complications. November is American Diabetes Month, the Association's annual program to raise awareness that serious diabetes complications can be prevented. Using the slogan "
Know Head to Toe" the following messages are integrated into American Diabetes Month activities: (1) good blood glucose control does make a difference, (2) keeping blood pressure in check reduces the risk for heart failure, and (3) annual dilated eye exams and routine foot exams decrease blindness and amputation. Nationwide, the ADA conducts a variety of activities (including cosponsored foot, eye, and blood pressure screenings) to help people live well with diabetes.
Information & Free Materials
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American Optometric Association
1505 Prince Street, Suite #300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 1-800-365-2219 X 4284
http://www.aoa.org
Contact: John C. Whitener, OD, MPH, JCWhitener-OD@aoa.org
The American Optometric Association (AOA) seeks to advance the availability and accessibility of quality of eye, vision, and related health care; to represent the profession of optometry; to enhance and promote the independent and ethical decision-making of its members; and to assist doctors of optometry in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care. The Association supports year-round programming to educate Americans about their vision and eye health and encourages people to take steps to preserve and protect their vision. AOA represents over 33,000 doctors of optometry trained in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, including the management of diabetic retinopathy.
The AOA provides patient referrals to local optometrists on its website: http://www.aoa.org. Click on DrLocator.
Resources
- Answers to Your Questions about Diabetes and Vision
- Diabetic Retinopathy Fact Sheet
- Health Conditions that Affect Your Eyes (Spanish)
- What Black Americans Should Know About Eye Health
- Answers to Your Questions about Common Vision Conditions
- Sample patient educational brochures are available at no cost by calling 1-888-396-EYES or see the AOA home page for more information at http://www.aoa.org.
- Professional education materials include Care of the Patient with Diabetes Mellitus and Quick Reference Guide to Care of the Patient with Diabetes Mellitus.
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AWARE (Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation and Education)
P.O.Box 996
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
(914) 528-5120
info@visionaware.org
http://www.VisionAWARE.org
Provides extensive self-help information on adapting everyday activities and
locating helpful services and independent living resources -- for individuals
with vision loss, their family members, and those who work with them. Offers a
vast collection of free self-help information and materials to increase personal
independence, options, and opportunities for those who are blind or have low
vision.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
4470 Buford Highway, NE (K-68)
Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
Tel: (770) 488-1274
FAX: (770) 488-1148
http://www.cdc.gov
The CDC's mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. The Division of Diabetes Translation conducts, coordinates, and evaluates Federal efforts to translate research into care for people with diabetes.
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EyeCare America
655 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109-1336
Tel: (415) 561-8500
Fax: (415) 561-8567
http://www.eyecareamerica.org
Contact: Betty Lucas, (451) 447-0381, blucas@aao.org
Founded in 1980, EyeCare America, the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education.
EyeCare America's public service program provides access to eye care for the medically underserved and for those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available through EyeCare America is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. Public service includes programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes and children, and is the largest program of its kind in American medicine.
Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 700,000 people and treated more than 150,000 cases of eye disease.
EyeCare America offers multiple eye care programs for which individuals may qualify. Callers will be automatically screened to determine the program that provides the best appropriate eye care service.
Call to see if you, a family member or a friend may be eligible to receive a referral, 800-272-EYES (3937). EyeCare America Helplines operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Diabetes EyeCare Program (DEP) promotes annual, dilated eye exams for people with diabetes. DEP raises awareness about diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy, provides free diabetic eye disease educational materials and facilitates access to eye care.
People eligible for a referral through the program receive a comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of treatment-at no out-of-pocket expense-for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. Volunteer ophthalmologists accept Medicare and/or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full.
The Diabetes EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
- Are US citizens or legal residents
- Are age 65 and older
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Have diabetes
- Do not have eye care insurance through an HMO or the VA
Resources
- Diabetes EyeCare Program referral call 1-800-272-EYES (3937) toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year
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Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF)
120 Wall Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10005-4001
Tel: (212) 785-9500
Toll Free: 1-800-533-2873
http://www.jdrf.org
Contact: Shira Kandel, Manager of Public Information, skandel@jdrf.org
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) is the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research. It was founded in 1970 by parents of children with diabetes. JDRF's mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. JDRF also sponsors international workshops and conferences for biomedical researchers. Individual chapters offer support groups and other activities for families affected by diabetes. JDRF has more than 110 chapters and affiliates worldwide, whose volunteers have helped to raise more than $326 million for diabetes research.
Resources
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Lighthouse International
111 East 59 Street
New York, NY 10022-1202
Tel: (212) 821-9200
Toll Free: 1-800-829-0500
http://www.lighthouse.org
Contact: info@lighthouse.org
Lighthouse International, a resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation, is dedicated to enabling people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted to lead independent and productive lives. Through its Information and Resource Service info@lighthouse.org, information about eye diseases as well as national and international vision rehabilitation services and resources for people with impaired vision of all ages is available.
Lighthouse International is conducting a national public awareness campaign entitled Vision Loss is Not a Normal Part of Aging--Open Your Eyes to the Facts! Free publications, promotional poster and bookmark feature the difference between normal changes in the aging eye and those changes caused by eye disease as well as the benefits of vision rehabilitation.
Additional Publications
- Diabetes Vision Loss and Aging (English & Spanish)
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Lions Clubs International
300 W 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
Tel: (630) 571-5466
Fax: (630) 571-1692
http://www.lionsclubs.org
Contact: Deborah O'Malley, domalley@lionsclubs.org
Lions Clubs International has over 14,000 clubs in the United States (44,000 clubs worldwide) which provide community service and promote better international relations. As each community's needs and resources are unique, Lions club programs may vary across the nation; however, the major health programs Lions have established are sight conservation and work with the blind, diabetes awareness, and hearing and speech action and work with the deaf. Lions promote diabetes awareness and encourage comprehensive eye exams especially during November: National Diabetes Month. On an individual basis, Lions may provide assistance so that a needy person may obtain a comprehensive eye exam and/or necessary treatment and medication to deal with the disease. Lions may sponsor recreational camping experiences for children with diabetes. Diabetes camps are tools for encouraging children to manage their disease, and thus lessen complications. Contact the international headquarters office for information regarding clubs within your area.
Resources
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Lions Clubs International Foundation
300 West 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
(630) 571-5466, ext. 638
Fax: (630) 571-8890
E-mail: lcif@lionsclubs.org
Web site: http://www.lionsclubs.org
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has several programs that support eye health worldwide, including the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) and the Core 4 diabetes.
LEHP is a community-based health education program that allow Lions Clubs, other community organizations and individuals to promote healthy vision in the United States. LEHP promotes the early detection and timely treatment of diabetic eye disease and glaucoma and encourages the appropriate treatment for low vision. A CD-ROM includes information on these conditions as well as videos, public service announcements, Power Point presentations and detailed strategies for implementing eye health activities. LEHP is also active in Japan, Great Britain, Ireland, Turkey and Australia.
The Core 4 diabetes program Lions to address the growing epidemic of diabetes, while in collaboration with health care providers in their community.
Resources
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Maryland Society for Sight
1313 West Old Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21209
Tel: (410) 243-2020
Contact: Kathleen M. Curtin, mdsocietyforsight@erols.com
The Maryland Society's mission is to prevent blindness and preserve sight for Marylanders. The Society provides educational information to the public on diabetic retinopathy and counsels people at screenings on the importance of regular dilated eye examinations. The Maryland Society for Sight participates in National Diabetes Month held each November.
Resources
The Maryland Society for Sight distributes the following materials:
- Don't Lose Sight of Diabetes (Produced by National Eye Institute)
- Diabetic Retinopathy (Produced by Prevent Blindness America)
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National Association for Visually Handicapped
22 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
Tel: (212) 889-3141
Contact: Lorraine H. Marchi, Founder/CEO, staff@navh.org
NAVH is the only voluntary national health agency serving solely the "hard of seeing"--not the totally blind. It offers diabetic eye disease information in large print for laypersons, targeting those afflicted and at risk. It maintains a large print, free-by-mail, loan library of over 7,000 titles. In addition, NAVH provides daily one-on-one visual aid counseling, individual and group emotional support, educational outreach to the public and to professionals in the low vision field, advocacy and referrals. There are daily responses to mail, phone and Website inquiries. A vital senior outreach program, funded by the Reader's Digest Fund for the Blind, Inc., also provides daily opportunities to address the need for low vision members of senior centers and residents of senior facilities to pursue early detection through timely eye exams. NAVH participates in National Diabetes Month, held each November.
Resources (Most in large print)
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- A Patient's Guide to Visual Aids and Illumination (In English or Russian)
- Classification of Impaired Vision
- Eye-Q Test (In English, Russian, or Spanish)
- Heartbreak of Being "A Little Bit Blind"
- How to Develop a Self-Help Group for Elders Losing Eyesight
- It's Alright To Be Angry
- Large Print Loan Library Catalog
- Problems of the Partially Seeing
- Sensitivity for People with Partial Eyesight (In English or Russian)
- Visual Aids and Informational Materials Catalog
- What Every Low Vision Patient Should Know... (In English, Spanish, or Russian)
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National Eye Institute (NEI)
31 Center Drive MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510
Tel: (301) 496-5248
http://www.nei.nih.gov
Contact: Rosemary Janiszewski, rjaniszewski@nei.nih.gov
The NEI, part of the National Institutes of Health, is the Federal government's principal agency for conducting and supporting vision research. Through the National Eye Health Education Program, the NEI coordinates public and professional awareness activities related to diabetic eye disease. These activities encourage annual dilated eye exams for everyone with diabetes. The NEI coordinates National Diabetes Month, held each November. The NEI also collaborates with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Diabetes Education Program.
Resources
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Prevent Blindness America
500 East Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Tel: (312) 363-6001
Toll Free: (800) 331-2020
http://www.preventblindness.org
Contact: Christine A. Bradley MS M.Ed cbradley@preventblindness.org
Prevent Blindness America provides a wide range of online and downloadable information on home and sports eye safety. www.preventblindness.org/safety offers extensive information about protecting children and adults from eye injuries in the home and while playing sports. Resources include sections on choosing safe toys for children, protecting children from hazards in the home and purchasing protective eyewear for sports activities. Web visitors can also request free safety brochures that can be mailed to their homes.
Resources
- Eye Health and Safety educational brochures are available at no cost by calling 1-800-331-2020 or visit PBA's home page for more information at http://www.preventblindness.org.
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