Eye Health and Chronic Conditions

mature women having a conversation

Vision care while managing chronic conditions

Vision is one of our most valuable senses, yet many people with chronic conditions may not realize how their health impacts their eyes. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure can lead to eye problems, including vision loss. The good news is that by managing your health, you can protect your eyesight and maintain a good quality of life.

Chronic conditions that affect eye health

Several chronic conditions can increase the risk of vision problems. Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease are just a few chronic conditions that affect eye health. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist, a doctor specializing in eye care, to schedule an exam.

Signs to watch for:

  • Blurry or distorted vision.
  • Dark spots or floaters.
  • Trouble seeing at night.
  • Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
  • Double vision.
  • Eye pain or headaches.
  • Sensitivity to light. 
  • Swelling in the eyes.

General tips for vision care

While different chronic conditions affect eye health in various ways, there are some steps you can take to protect your vision.

  • Get regular eye exams. Annual comprehensive, dilated eye exams are crucial for catching problems early. If you have diabetes or other high-risk conditions, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits.
  • Maintain healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Work with your healthcare provider to keep these numbers within a healthy range. Always take medications as prescribed and make necessary lifestyle changes.
  • A nutrient-rich diet can support eye health. Be sure to include dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, and collard greens) for antioxidants, fish (salmon, tuna, and halibut) for omega-3 fatty acids, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) for vitamin C, and nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds) for vitamin E.
  • Staying active and incorporating daily exercise improves blood circulation, including to your eyes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
  • Protect your eyes from harmful light. Wear 99% to 100% UV-blocking sunglasses when outside (even on cloudy days). Reduce screen time and take breaks when using digital devices. Use proper lighting when reading or working.
  • Wear protective eyewear while playing sports or working in an environment where objects can fly into your eyes such as welding. 
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases, and excessive alcohol can worsen conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Quitting can significantly lower your risk of vision problems.

How your chronic condition plan can help with eye health

If you're enrolled in a chronic condition special needs plan (C-SNP), you likely have benefits that help with eye health, including:

  • Annual eye exams to catch issues early.
  • Access to specialists for diabetic eye care and vision treatments.
  • A yearly allowance for the purchase of eyewear, including contact lenses, eyeglass lenses, and frames. 
  • Support for managing chronic conditions, including a dedicated care coordination team and transportation for routine medical visits and non-medical transportation* to places like the grocery store, community events, senior centers, and places of worship.

*Sentara Medicare members with chronic condition(s) that meet certain criteria may be eligible for this special supplemental benefit. Pick-up and drop-off locations must be within service area. Rides are one-way. Trips over 50 miles require authorization.

Be sure to review your plan benefits and schedule your next eye exam. Taking advantage of these services can help you protect your vision and overall health. 

Much can be done to help support your vision care. With regular eye exams, controlling your chronic health conditions, and making lifestyle changes, you should be able to maintain your eye health for many years to come. If you haven’t had an eye exam this year, schedule one today! 

You can find a list of Sentara providers by visiting https://www.sentara.com/find-a-doctor-or-provider.

Enrolling in a C-SNP

Call one of our Licensed Plan Advisors to see if you are eligible for a Sentara Medicare Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP). 

 

You can check your eligibility, ask questions, or enroll by calling 1-877-550-3285 (TTY: 711).

 

April 1-Sept. 30 | Mon.-Fri. | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Oct. 1-March 31 | 7 days a week | 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

Sources: