How has the pandemic highlighted disparities in diabetes care and outcomes among Black communities?
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that there are still big differences in how people get medical care, their health outcomes, and how diseases affect them, especially among Black and indigenous people of color. African Americans, in particular, have high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to many health problems, including issues with their eyes. One major problem is diabetic retinopathy, which can cause serious vision loss if not found and treated early. Another issue is changes in blood vessels due to high blood pressure, which can also harm vision. The National Optometric Association has started the Three Silent Killers Initiative to teach people of color about the risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, and glaucoma, all of which can cause blindness if not managed properly. The National Eye Institute is also working hard to raise awareness about eye health through social media and community programs. They focus on educating families about the importance of regular eye exams to catch problems early. These programs emphasize that everyone should get regular, comprehensive eye exams where doctors check the inside of the eyes and measure eye pressure. This helps find problems early so they can be treated before causing vision loss. Good eye health starts with these exams, and it's important for families to talk about health issues and work together with their medical teams. Keeping your body healthy can help keep your eyes healthy too!