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Local
Eye Specialists Laud Battle vs."Silent Thief of Sight"
East
Lansing - "Many patients don't have a problem
until significant vision has been lost," says Dr.
Kevin Liu, ophthalmologist with Michigan Eye Care Specialists in East Lansing, in discussing the serious nature of this
eye disease.
"And
that makes this a very important step," continues Liu
in applauding the new Medicare coverage of glaucoma evaluations
for at-risk groups.
People
who have Medicare Part B (medical insurance) are now eligible
for glaucoma screening once every 12 months - an evaluation
to be performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Commonly
referred to as "the silent thief of sight" due to
lack of symptoms, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness
in African-Americans and in all adults in their sixties or
older. If untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible loss
of vision. It's estimated that in the United States, about
half of the people with glaucoma - more than 2.5 million -
don't know they have the condition.
Those
most at risk are people over the
age of 60, African-Americans, people with high blood pressure
or diabetes, and those with a family history of glaucoma. The disease strikes without warning and once it has progressed,
glaucoma cannot be cured. However, if the condition is detected
early, it can be treated.
Glaucoma is caused by elevated pressure inside the eye that
damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for
transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
Various treatment options are available including topical
medication, laser surgery and conventional surgery. Appropriate
treatments vary from patient to patient.
"But
early detection through evaluations such as those now covered
by Medicare is the key to successful treatment," says
Liu. "And we're pleased to participate with this important
initiative. "
Patients are responsible for deductibles and co-pays. Locally,
individuals can contact Michigan Eye Care Specialists at 332-6523
or toll-free, 866-602-EYES(3937) for more information and
qualifying criteria.
Michigan Eye Care Specialists is a full-service eye care center
in mid-Michigan whose services include treatment for glaucoma,
cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and
complete eye care for individuals of all ages.
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