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Comprehensive eye exams can lead to earlier diagnoses, study finds
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A recent UnitedHealthcare study demonstrated that comprehensive eye exams can help patients receive more efficient treatment and reduce medical costs, according to a press release.
The study evaluated UnitedHealthCare plan participants who had both vision and medical benefits from 2011 through 2012, according to the company.
Results showed that eye care professionals identified almost 6% of chronic conditions within the study group, including high cholesterol, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and Graves disease. Eye care professionals achieved a higher rate of identification at 15% for specific diseases, including multiple sclerosis and diabetes, as detailed in the release.
According to the press release, patients who have both medical and vision benefits often visit eye care professionals more than primary care physicians.
“The eyes are the window into a person’s overall health, and eye doctors play a critical role in identifying and managing chronic conditions, and re-engaging them into care,” Linda Chous, OD, chief eye care officer of UnitedHealthCare Vision, said in the release. “When eye care professionals share information about diseases with patients and other care providers, it can lead to better information, better decisions and better health outcomes.”
The release also shared information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on chronic diseases: 71 million nationwide suffer from high LDL cholesterol, 67 million have hypertension, and nearly 26 million have diabetes.
"A link is evident between comprehensive eye exams and identification of various chronic conditions," the study concluded. "Future studies should include a financial impact analysis of the benefits of early identification for each chronic condition included in this study."