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A Healthy Eyes Healthy People Presentation

Glaucoma…Knowing the Facts Can Save Your Sight

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Why should I know about Glaucoma?

3 million Americans have glaucoma, and nearly half don’t know they even have it.

Vision loss often occurs before individuals are even diagnosed.

Loss of vision is permanent - it cannot be reversed.

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How does Glaucoma damage the eyes?

Optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain

Optic nerve cells degenerate slowly

As nerve cells die, vision is slowly lost-usually beginning in side or peripheral vision first.

Vision loss is not recognized until significant amount of nerve damage occurs.

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In a healthy eye…

A clear fluid, the aqueous humor, passes

through the eye continuously. It exits the

eye draining into blood vessels in and

near the white outer coat of the eye, the

sclera.

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In an eye with glaucoma…

The fluid drains too slowly as it exits the eye. This causes the fluid pressure inside the eye to rise. The higher pressure leads to the deterioration of nerve fibers which must be intact and healthy for good vision to occur.

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Am I at risk?

You are at HIGH RISK for glaucoma IF you are:

African American over age 40

Over age 60

Have a family history of glaucoma

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What symptoms accompany the disease?

No pain or symptoms are present in the early stages.

Loss of peripheral vision typically is the first indication of a problem.

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What precautions can I take against Glaucoma?

Comprehensive eye exams are your best defense against eye disease.

Though not a cure, early detection of glaucoma can slow its progression.

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What treatments are available?

Laser surgery

Surgery

Medication

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Does Medicare cover examinations?

Medicare patients at-risk for glaucoma receive annual dilated eye exams.

Annual exams assist in early detection and treatment of glaucoma.

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AOA Glaucoma/Diabetes Hotline

The AOA has a program that matches patients with participating eye care professionals in their area.

For information, call 1-800-262-3947.

Operators are available from 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday.

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REMEMBER

Regular, comprehensive eye exams are your best defense against eye disease and vision loss.

Schedule an appointment with your eye care professional if you haven’t had an eye exam in over a year.

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For more information on Glaucoma and other eye diseases, please visit:

www.aoa.org/conditions