Insider Update

More than 38 million Americans have diabetes¹, and vision loss is an often preventable complication. That’s where vision benefits make a difference.
 

Understanding diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease is an umbrella term for several conditions that can threaten vision:

• Diabetic retinopathy damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina and can cause permanent vision loss.
• Diabetic macular edema (DME) leads to swelling in the macula, the part of the retina that provides central vision.
• Cataracts often develop earlier and more frequently in people with diabetes.
• Glaucoma is more likely in diabetic patients and can damage the optic nerve.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.
 

How vision coverage helps

Vision loss can affect not only the quality of life but also productivity and health care costs. However, studies show that annual eye exams can cut the risk of severe vision loss by as much as 95%.

This makes vision coverage much more than an add-on benefit. When employers offer plans that include diabetic eye exams and retinal imaging, they give employees with diabetes the tools to protect their sight and manage their condition more effectively.
 
As a broker, you can help employers make better benefits choices for their employees. Consider these approaches when discussing coverage with your groups:

• Pair vision with dental. DeltaVision® gives employees access to quality care through a large nationwide network, attractive frame and contact lens allowances, discounts and more.
• Emphasize education. Encourage employers to remind their team about the importance of yearly exams.  Essential Medical Eye Care, part of DeltaVision, provides coverage for diagnosing and treating conditions like dry eye, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma.
• Support awareness campaigns. Open enrollment and wellness programs are the perfect times to highlight preventive eye care.
   

Help spread the word

Diabetic eye disease doesn’t have to result in vision loss. With the right benefits in place, employees with diabetes can detect problems early and get the care they need.

You can help by showing employers the connection between vision coverage and healthier outcomes. Share this blog post during Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month and encourage your groups to prioritize preventive eye care in their benefits strategy.

Learn more about vision options you can share with your clients.

¹ Source: 2024 National Diabetes Statistics Report: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html

In California, DeltaVision is underwritten by Delta Dental of California. In Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and West Virginia, DeltaVision is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company. DeltaVision is administered by Vision Service Plan (VSP). DeltaVision is not available through the Small Business Program in Mississippi.