Diabetics: EyeCare America Promotes No-Cost Medical Eye Screenings

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.