Eye Care Utilization Among Older Insured Adults with Kidney Disease and Diabetes

Abstract

Older adults have increased risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and blindness. Frequent routine screening may help with early detection, management, and prevention of eye disease and blindness. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), this study examined the use of eye health service among a national sample of older insured adults with self-reported diabetes and chronic kidney disease diagnoses. This study demonstrates an important correlation in the use of eye healthcare based on diabetes status, kidney disease status, and length of a diabetes diagnosis. Given the importance of early detection of potential eye disease, encouraging people and their families to seek early and frequent eye examinations is suggested.