JANUARY SPECIAL FEATURE

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is a major eye disease in older adults, increasing significantly after age 60, often due to age-related drainage issues, leading to optic nerve damage and gradual, silent vision loss, especially in the periphery, though prompt diagnosis and management with drops, lasers, or surgery can preserve sight.

Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage plans covers glaucoma screenings once every 12 months for individuals deemed at high risk. High-risk individuals include those with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, and specific demographic groups like African Americans over 50 or Hispanic Americans over 65. Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection and management in older adults.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch for

• Loss of peripheral (side) vision (the "sneak thief of sight").
• Blurry or cloudy vision, seeing halos.
• Sudden severe eye pain, redness, nausea (angle-closure). 

Prevention & Management

• Regular Eye Exams: Essential for early detection; high-risk older adults need annual checks.
• Manage Health Conditions: Control diabetes and blood pressure.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s.
• Treatment: Eye drops, oral meds, laser, or surgery to lower eye pressure and protect vision. 
  • Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage plans will cover laser eye surgery as it is considered a medically necessary treatment.
  • Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans covers oral medications. 

The Glaucoma Research Foundation’s “Understanding and Living with Glaucoma” booklet is a comprehensive guide for patients who have been recently diagnosed with glaucoma, for their families, and their friends.

The 40 page booklet offers an up-to-date introduction to glaucoma in an easy to understand format, with in-depth information and answers to frequently-asked questions about all aspects of this condition.

A free copy can be downloaded at

https://glaucoma.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-grf-ug-booklet-06-15-24.pdf

ECIAAA serves Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby and Vermilion counties.