6 Blue for Your Health Summer 2025 DIABETES RETINAL EYE EXAMS See the difference What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults who are diagnosed with diabetes. Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes that can lead to poor vision or even blindness. About 1 in 3 people with diabetes who are older than age 40 already have some signs of diabetic retinopathy. Finding and treating diabetic retinopathy early can reduce the risk of blindness by 95%. Often there are no early symptoms of diabetic eye disease. You may have no pain or change in your vision as damage begins to grow inside your eyes, particularly with diabetic retinopathy. When symptoms do occur, they may include: ■Blurry or wavy vision ■Frequently changing vision—sometimes from day to day ■Dark areas or vision loss Take action to protect your vision! To prevent diabetic eye disease or to keep it from getting worse, manage your diabetes ABCs: 1. Complete an A1c test at least twice per year. 2. Work with your health care provider to manage: ■Blood pressure ■Cholesterol 3. Complete a diabetic retinopathy eye exam at least once per year—or more often if recommended by your eye care professional (ophthalmologist or optometrist). Every member with diabetes, ages 18 and older, can have a diabetic retinopathy exam AT NO COST! Even if you don’t have a vision plan, this exam is covered under medical claims with a diagnosis of diabetes. Schedule an exam today! Preventive care services Preventive checkups and screenings can help find illnesses and medical problems early. They can improve your health and the health of everyone in your family. There are no out-of-pocket costs for Turquoise Care members who receive covered preventive checkups and screenings from providers in the Turquoise Care network. Examples of covered preventive care services include general wellness exams each year; recommended vaccines; and screenings for things like diabetes, cancer, or depression. For preventive services that are covered for you or your family member, visit bcbsnm.com/turquoise-care. Click on Learn about benefits and select the link for Member Handbook. You can also call Member Services at 866689‑1523 (TTY: 711). Visit bcbsnm.com/turquoise-care for a summary of preventive care guidelines. Click on Member Resources. Choose Health and Wellness. There you will find the Preventive Care Guidelines for Adults and Children. You can also call Member Services at 866-689‑1523 (TTY: 711) to ask for a copy of the guidelines to be sent to you by mail.
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