Prevent Blindness America Issues Statement on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations on Glaucoma Screening
CHICAGO (July 9, 2013) – In response to the release today of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations on screening for glaucoma, — which stated that “there is not enough evidence to determine the potential benefits and harms of glaucoma screening for adults who do not have signs or symptoms of glaucoma or other vision problems” — Prevent Blindness America issued the following statement, attributable to Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.
“There is no doubt that a dilated eye exam is the best way to detect glaucoma and other eye diseases. Educating individuals on their risk factors for glaucoma, including age, family history, race, and lifestyle habits, should also be a focus for early detection and the prevention of vision loss in the future. We encourage more research on the best ways to detect and treat glaucoma early to address the increasing number of glaucoma patients in our country.”
For more information on glaucoma or Medicare benefits for glaucoma services, please call Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or visit preventblindness.org/glaucoma.
