The Costco Connection

UPDATE

PharmacyCOSTCO

BY 2032, the visually
impaired population
age 40 and older is
estimated to increase
by 66 percent—to
nearly 5. 1 million—and
the blind population to
increase 59 percent—
to 2. 2 million—in the
U.S., according to
Prevent Blindness ( preventblindness.org).

While this is largely attributable to an aging population, many adults are unaware that early detection of some vision challenges is essential to preventing serious vision impairment.

Sometimes, eye problems are silent and can go undetected without an exam by a vision professional. That’s why it’s important to have periodic eye exams.

Depending on your age and vision risk, an eye exam could include tests for visual acuity, refraction testing, a retinal exam and more.

In addition to exams and following the advice of a health care professional, taking a dietary supplement to support vision health might also be beneficial.

Kirkland Signature OcuSight Adult 50+ was formulated for adults who enjoy an active lifestyle and want to help maintain their vision health. This product contains lutein and zeaxanthin, important carotenoids found in the macula of the eye; omega- 3, a major structural component of the retina; and nutrients, such as antioxidants and minerals, to help replenish the body. Kirkland Signature OcuSight Adult 50+ offers these supplements in a once-daily formulation, and it does not contain artificial dyes, artificial flavors or titanium dioxide, which can be found in some leading brands.

Kirkland Signature OcuSight Adult 50+ is available in Costco warehouses and on Costco.com in a

300-count container, at an exceptional value compared with other retailers.

Item #1023458.

BUYER’S PICK

Kirkland Signature™ OcuSight™ Adult 50+

Teresa Thompson

Buyer, Pharmacy

DIABETES

Preventing eye disease

DIABETES IS a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. This happens because the body doesn’t make enough insulin (Type ; diabetes) or can’t use insulin well enough to get glucose into the cells (Type ; diabetes). Women can develop diabetes during pregnancy ( gestational diabetes), which usually resolves when the pregnancy is over. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications in any part of the body. One common complication is eye disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; cdc.gov), high blood sugar and high blood pressure can cause small blood vessels in the retina to swell and leak. This can lead to blurry vision and even blindness. Patients with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing cataracts (cloudy lenses) and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve).

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent eye problems if you have diabetes. Maintaining blood glucose levels that are closer to normal and keeping your blood pressure under control can prevent or delay development of diabetic eye disease.

It is also important to see your eye doctor for regular eye exams, as early stages of diabetic eye disease may not have symptoms. Your eye doctor may put drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and examine the back of your eyes, in addition to checking your eye pressure and lens health. Having regular dilated eye exams can help identify diabetic eye disease early on. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are having any changes in vision, such as blurriness, dif-;culty reading, dark spots or ;ashing lights.

Diabetic eye disease can be treated with surgery or medication, but it is best to prevent diabetic eye disease from developing. According to the American Diabetes Association ( diabetes.org), several steps can be taken to avoid eye problems: