St. Louis ophthalmologists and doctors across the country are offering free eye examinations and treatment for people who qualify.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and EyeCare America are performing the service in observance of Glaucoma Awareness Month under way through January.

Visit Eyecare America Referral Center to fill out an online application. Determination of eligibility is instant and referral information is provided at that point.

The Eyecare America program is for uninsured people who are at increased risk for glaucoma because of age, race or family history and have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more.

 

More than 20 physicians are participating in the program in the St. Louis area.

Glaucoma affects more than 2.3 million Americans 40 years old and older. Another 2 million have the disease and don't know it.

Higher-risk groups include blacks, Hispanics and people with family histories. Other risk factors include aging, nearsightedness or farsightedness, previous eye injuries, steroid use, and health conditions that affect blood flow such as migraines, diabetes and low blood pressure. People of Asian ancestry and people who are farsighted are at higher risk for narrow-angle glaucoma, also known as angle-closure glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma.

The Academy recommends that people in higher-risk categories or those who reach 40 years old visit an ophthalmologist for a baseline exam.

More information on glaucoma visit the EyeSmart website.