Approximately 3 million Americans have glaucoma. Because the disease often progresses silently in the initial stages, with no symptoms, it is estimated that up to half of the approximately 3 million Americans with the disease don’t know they have it.

Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent and irreversible. People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop glaucoma as adults without diabetes. And people with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to get glaucoma too. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment usually can stop further damage and prevent blindness. The benefit provided by Medicare offers a comprehensive glaucoma screening for seniors and others with Medicare at high risk for the disease.

• For information regarding Medicare benefits, visit http://www.medicare.gov
• For more information about glaucoma, visit The National Eye Institute http://www.nei.nih.gov/index.asp
• For more information about National Glaucoma Awareness Month, please visit http://www.preventblindness.org