Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It usually happens when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, damaging the optic nerve. Often there are no symptoms at first. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral, or side vision. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains.
A comprehensive eye exam can tell if you have glaucoma. People at risk should get eye exams at least every two years. They include African Americans over age 40; people over age 60, especially Mexican Americans; and people with a family history of glaucoma,
There is no cure, but glaucoma can usually be controlled. Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss. Treatments usually include prescription eye drops and/or surgery.
Take advantage of your Medicare benefit for glaucoma.
Take advantage of the benefits that may save your sight. Medicare will cover an eye exam to detect glaucoma. If you are:
- A person with diabetes
- Someone with a family history of glaucoma
- African American age 50 or older.
- Hispanic age 65 or older
Courtesy: NIH: National Eye Institute; Video Courtesy: NIH: National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP)
Call 812.242.3700 today to schedule your medical eye exam.
Glaucoma often has no symptoms. In fact, half of all people with glaucoma don’t know they have it, and if it’s not detected and treated, they can lose their sight. That’s why it is so important to reach those at higher risk for glaucoma: African Americans age 40 and older; everyone over age 60, especially Hispanics/Latinos; and anyone with a family history of glaucoma.
The NEHEP Glaucoma Education Program is designed to help you raise awareness about glaucoma among the people you serve. Our educational resources are designed to communicate the following messages that can help prevent vision loss in people at higher risk:
- Glaucoma often has no early symptoms.
- People at higher risk need a comprehensive dilated eye examination every 1–2 years.
- Early detection, treatment, and follow-up care are key to preventing vision loss and blindness.