Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease associated that affects the central vision – in the middle of your eye. You can have wet AMD or dry AMD. People with AMD lose the sharpness in the center by affecting the macula, the part of the eye that provides you with fine details. Someone with AMD has a dark w
hole in the center of the vision, but can see peripherally, along the edges.
AMD affects people as they age and is listed as the leading cause of vision loss in Americans 65 years and older. There is no cure for AMD, but treatment can slow down the vision loss. Sometimes, the progress of AMD is very gradual, maybe not even noticeable at first, so it’s essential that it be detected by an eye care professional. Unfortunately, eye exams are not often on the priority list of many people, particularly if they are experiencing financial difficulties.
EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. They would like to help seniors who need help and are doing so by offering a program called Do You See What I See?
With the holiday season quickly approaching, EyeCare America is working to make people more aware of AMD, its effects, and the importance of eye exams.
The year-round program promotes annual eye exams for people 65 and older, raises awareness of AMD, provides the latest information about treatment options and low vision services, offers free AMD educational materials, and facilitates access to no cost eye care through EyeCare America’s AMD EyeCare Program. The eye exams will be provided by more than 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. Those interested in the program can call 1-866-324-EYES (3937) to see if they are eligible.
Who is eligible?
The AMD EyeCare Program is designed for people at increased risk for AMD, who:
* Are age 65 and older
* Have not been diagnosed with AMD
* Are US citizens or legal residents
* Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
* Do not belong to an HMO or the VAPeople can call the toll-free helpline at 1-866-324-EYES (3937) anytime, for themselves and/or family members and friends to see if they qualify for a free eye exam.
Callers who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years may be eligible to receive a comprehensive medical eye exam and, in most cases, up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam.
Eyeglasses, medicines, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not included.
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Post from: Blisstree