January marks national glaucoma awareness month

Eyecare organizations are encouraging people to educate themselves about glaucoma and get a comprehensive eye exam during January’s awareness push, according to a news item from Prevent Blindness America (PBA, Chicago). Organizations cited as helping increase awareness include the National Eye Institute and the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Research funded by PBA determined that glaucoma costs the U.S. economy $2.86 billion every year in direct medical costs for outpatient, inpatient, and prescription drug services. “We want to stress to everyone that vision can be saved from glaucoma through early diagnosis and treatment,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of PBA.

Source – ASCRS EyeWorld Weekly News, January 2, 2012