Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which damage to the nerve located in the back of the eye (the optic nerve) results in loss of eyesight. If glaucoma is not treated, vision loss may continue, leading to total blindness. There’s no sure way to prevent glaucoma, but early treatment helps slow the disease and prevent blindness.

Medicare covers 80 percent of the cost of an annual (every 12 months) glaucoma screening if you are at high-risk for glaucoma, after you pay your annual Part B deductible. The screening must be performed or supervised by an eye doctor who is licensed to provide this service in your state.

Those at high risk for the disease include people with diabetes or high blood pressure, people with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50 and older, and Hispanic Americans age 65 and older.