EyeCare America and Prevent Blindness America Team Up

EyeCare America and Prevent Blindness America Team Up to Help Preserve Vision Against Cataracts
National Non-profits Provide No-Cost Educational Materials and Eye Exams to Seniors during National Cataract Awareness Month this August

August 3, 2009 – San Francisco, CA –Did you know that cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 and older? In fact, more than half the people over age 65 have some form of cataract development.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, the part of the eye that focuses light and produces clear images. Inside of the eye, the lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they become trapped within the capsule. Over time, more cells die and accumulate, causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging. But, eye injuries, certain medications, UV exposure and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause cataracts.

In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. At a certain point, however, surgery may be needed to improve vision. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. More than 90 percent of the people who have cataract surgery regain useful vision.

“Unfortunately, there are age-related eye diseases for which there are no cures that cause severe vision loss and blindness, like glaucoma or diabetic eye disease,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “The good news is that cataract can be effectively treated and vision restored by an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist). We encourage everyone to educate themselves about what they can do to help prevent cataract as well as visit an eye care professional to see which treatment is right for them.”

In honor of “Cataract Awareness Month,” taking place in August, EyeCare America and Prevent Blindness America are encouraging people to make their vision health a priority. Prevent Blindness America offers the public free educational information on cataracts in both English and Spanish through its toll free number, (800) 331-2020, or Web site at preventblindness.org. The non-profit organization also offers information on Medicare benefits in relation to cataract surgery and care as well as a guide on what patients can expect if surgery is required.

EyeCare America offers the unique Seniors EyeCare Program which offers eye exams and care to seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor).

The program effectively bridges the health care gap for the aging U.S. population. Through the program, those who are eligible receive a dilated medical exam and up to one year of treatment at no out-of-pocket cost. EyeCare America is able to provide this no cost care through its network of volunteer ophthalmologists who waive patient co-payments and accept Medicare as payment in full for their services. Patients without insurance are not charged.

EyeCare America's Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
- Are U.S. citizens or legal residents
- Are age 65 and older
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not belong to an HMO or the VA

"My eyesight has improved a lot and I feel blessed... But for you and (my doctor) I might still be groping in the darkness and stumbling throughout the rest of my life," said Mr. Atma Tyagi, a 78-year old EyeCare America patient who underwent cataract surgery.

For a Seniors EyeCare Program referral, those interested may call the toll-free help line 1.800.222.EYES (3937). The Seniors EyeCare Program help line operates 24 hours a day, every day, year-round. The Seniors EyeCare Program is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. and Alcon.