(NAPSA)—While most people wait until they feel sick to see a doctor, the key to saving sight is to catch eye dis- eases early—even before noticing any symptoms. Eyediseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoim- munediseases, and cancerscanbe diagnosed and detected during a simple eye exam. That’s because theeye is the only place in the body where a doctor can have an unobstructedview ofbloodves- sels, nerves and connectingtissue with- Makeprotecting your out any need for surgery. Abnormalities spotted in the eye maysignal the same changesin otherparts of the body. Early detection can help people potentially avoid vision loss andotherseri- ous complications. ye ExamsArea Simple Procedure that Could Save YourSight ‘Adults age 65 or over should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, or as recommended by an ophthalmologist—a physician who the celebration this hol Be age 65or older + Not belong to an HMO orhave eye care benefits through the VA + Not have seen an ophthalmologist in three or moreyears. Don’t qualify for the Seniors pro- gram? You maybeeligible for EyeCare ‘America’s Glaucoma program.It provides a glaucoma eye exam atnocost to those whoareeligible and uninsured. specializes in medical and surgical eye care. Tohelp seniors who haven't seen Tobe eligible, you must: + Be at increasedrisk for glaucoma, determined byyour age,race and family ‘American Academy of Ophthalmolo- Bea U.S.citizenor legal resident + Not belong to an HMO orhave eye able to help. + Not have had an eye exam in 12 connectseligible seniors with local volunteer ophthalmologists who provide a medical eye exam at noout-of-pocket cost, and up to one yearof follow-up EyeCare America has helped more than 1.8 million people since 1985. Its sight-saving services are made possible theinitial exam,for the physician ser- with additional support provided by Al- an ophthalmologist in three or more years andare concerned aboutcost, the gy's EyeCare America program may be EyeCare America’s Seniors program care for any condition diagnosed during vices. Tobe eligible, you must: Bea U.S.citizenor legal resident history care benefits through the VA monthsor more. through the generous support of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., con.Visit www.aao.org/eyecare-ameri- ca to learn more and determine whether youora loved one qualifies.
