January: National Glaucoma Awareness Month

THE MEDICARE BLOG

THE OFFICIAL BLOG FOR THE U.S. MEDICARE PROGRAM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MEDICARE.GOV

01.15.17

by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR GLAUCOMA

Are you at a high risk of getting glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of vision—usually side vision—by damaging the optic nerve, which sends information from your eyes to your brain.

Fortunately, you can help prevent vision loss by finding and treating problems early—and Medicare can help. We cover a glaucoma screening once every 12 months for people at high risk for glaucoma. You’re considered at high risk if you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions:

• Do you have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma?
• Are you African American and 50 or older?
• Are you Hispanic American and 65 or older?

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month—the perfect time to check on your eye health.