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Glaucoma can be detected in its early stages
through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During
this exam, drops are placed in your eyes to
dilate, or widen, the pupils. This allows your
eye care professional to examine the optic nerve
for signs of glaucoma and other vision problems.
An eye pressure test alone is not enough to
detect glaucoma. “It’s very important that
people don’t wait until they notice a problem
with their vision to have an eye exam,” adds Dr.
Tsai.
If you have Medicare and are African American age
50 or older, are Hispanic/Latino age 65 or older,
have diabetes, or have a family history of glaucoma,
you may be eligible for a low-cost, comprehensive
dilated eye exam through the glaucoma benefit. Call
1–800–MEDICARE or visit
www.medicare.gov
for more information. To learn about other possible
financial assistance for eye care, visit
www.nei.nih.gov/health/financialaid.asp.
“It’s a new year,” said Dr. Sieving. “Make and
keep a resolution to maintain healthy vision.
Contact your local eye care professional and make an
appointment for a dilated eye exam today.”
For more information about glaucoma, visit
www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma or call NEI at
301–496–5248.
