(ARA) - As someone’s sight diminishes, so does the
ability to fully experience some of life’s richest moments -- a
grandchild learning to ride a bike, for example, or any number of
nature’s visual wonders. Furthermore, when people go blind, they face
loss of independence and are more likely to suffer from depression.
Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the United States, is a
group of eye diseases that gradually steals sight without warning and
often without symptoms. In fact, nearly 3 million people have glaucoma,
but half do not realize it. Approximately 120,000 are blind from
glaucoma, accounting for 9 percent to 12 percent of all cases of
blindness in the United States. more likely to go blind than
non-diabetics. EyeCare America, the public service foundation of the
American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages people to take advantage
of its national Glaucoma EyeCare Program. This program offers glaucoma
eye screenings and care for those at increased risk of glaucoma. To see
if you, a loved one or a friend, is eligible to receive a referral for
an eye exam and care, call (800) 391-EYES (3937), 24 hours, seven days a
week, year round. All eligible callers receive a referral to one
EyeCare America’s volunteer ophthalmologists.
“If it wasn’t for EyeCare America my husband may have lost his sight
to glaucoma,” said Eva Gordon, wife of an EyeCare America patient.
The Glaucoma EyeCare Program promotes early detection and treatment
of glaucoma. It raises awareness of glaucoma risk factors, provides free
glaucoma educational materials and facilitates access to a glaucoma eye
examination. The Glaucoma EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
* Are U.S. citizens or legal residents
* Have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more
* Are at increased risk for glaucoma (family history, race, age)
People may call the toll-free help line anytime, for themselves
and/or family members and friends, to see if they qualify for a glaucoma
eye exam or to request free eye care information.
Those eligible for a referral through the Glaucoma program receive a
glaucoma eye exam and the initiation of treatment, if deemed necessary.
Patients with insurance will be billed and are responsible for any
co-payments and/or the cost of the eye examination. Uninsured patients
will receive the above care at no charge.
Founded in 1980, EyeCare America, the public service foundation of
the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation
of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and
education. In the United States, EyeCare America is one of the largest
providers of eye care services to the medically underserved and educates
the general public about the eye and vision. In developing nations,
EyeCare America helps improve eye care by providing free educational
resources and materials to ophthalmologists in those regions. EyeCare
America is a non-profit organization whose success is made possible by
its corps of more than 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to
serving their communities and through charitable contributions from
individuals, corporations, and foundations. More information can be
found at: www.eyecareamerica.org
Call EyeCare America’s Glaucoma EyeCare program today. There is a
dedicated volunteer ophthalmologist in your area committed to preserving
your sight.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
