EyeCare America Urges Seniors To Make A Healthy Resolution For Their Eyes EyeCare America Ophthalmologists Providing Eye Exams At No Out-of-Pocket Cost In Honor Of Glaucoma Awareness Month e Are U.S. citizens or legal residents e Are age 65 and older Have not seen an ophthal- (NAPSA)—Each year as the New Year begins, people around the world resolve to make changes that will result in longer, happier and healthier lives. Often, people are determined to lose weight while others are committed to kicking unhealthy habits such as smoking. With those age 65 and older at high risk for developing eye disease, EyeCare America would like to add “Get a Glaucoma Eye Exam!”to their list of healthy resolutions, and Glaucoma Awareness Month in January is the perfect time to doit. In honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month taking place in January 2011, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye examsat no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and older and offers free educational materials. The eye exams are provided by a corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Those interested in the program can visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if they are eligible. The organization’s online referral center also enables friends and family members to find out instantly if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist. “Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among some U.S. Hispanics,” said Rene RodriguezSains, M.D. “That’s why this January, in honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month, EyeCare America mologist in three or more years Do not receive eye care Many older Americans may be eligible for free eye care. urges the Hispanic community to learn about its risk factors for glaucoma.” WhatIs Glaucoma? In a healthy eye, clear fluid is constantly being made behind the iris and leaving the eye through a microscopic drainage canal in the front of the eye. If this drainage channel becomes blocked, the pressure inside the eye goes up and often causes glaucoma damage to the optic nerve. This is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain, so damageto it causes loss of vision. WhoIs At Risk? While the causes of glaucoma are not completely known, we do know that risk factors for its development include a family history of glaucoma, race and older age. Glaucoma may affect people of any age, from newbornsto the elderly, but is more common in adults as they approach their senior years. African-Americans, Hispanics and people with diabetes are also at increased risk of developing the disease. EyeCare America is designed for people who: through an HMOorthe VA. To see immediately if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 or older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, visit www.eyecareamerica.org. EyeCare Americais co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon. The program is endorsed by state and subspecialty ophthalmological societies. About EyeCare America Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to medically underserved seniors and thoseat increased risk for eye disease throughits corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1.5 million people. EyeCare Americais a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foun- dations and corporations. Moreinformation can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.
