More than 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and some have no idea they have it. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can cause permanent vision loss and blindness. If you get a glaucoma test and find treatment early, you can protect your eyes from serious vision loss.
January is glaucoma awareness month, and it’s the perfect time to check and see if you’re at high risk. You’re at high risk for glaucoma if one or more of these apply to you:
- You have diabetes
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You’re African American and 50 or older
- You’re Hispanic and 65 or older
Medicare covers a glaucoma screening once every 12 months if you’re at high risk. Talk to your doctor or eye doctor for more information about scheduling a glaucoma test. To learn more, read about glaucoma, or watch our glaucoma awareness video.
