Early Detection and Treatment Leads to Healthy Eyesight

T here is a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that can help you answer many of the toughest questions you may have about Medicare.  The service is free and confidential to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries.  SHIP counselors are ready and willing to help you answer the following questions: What is the difference between Original Medicare and the Medicare Advantage Plans? What do I need to know about Medicare Prescription Drug coverage Part D and how do I choose a plan? What are the "gaps" in original Medicare coverage? How do I fill them? What do I do if Medicare denies payment for a claim? Whom do I call if I have a question about a claim? Does Medicare pay for nursing home care? What are the different Medigap plans? What is Long-Term Care insurance? To get your answers to these questions and more, call the local SHIP office at: Gloucester County College 1400 Tanyard Road Instructional Center-Room 418 Sewell, NJ 08080 Telephone: (856) 4

More than 20 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts and nearly three million patients have cataract surgery in the US annually.  Technological advances have made cataract surgery safer, more comfortable and more effective. A cataract is a gradual clouding of the clear lens in the eye, the part that focuses light and produces clear images.  As old cells die they become trapped.  As time passes, more cells die and accumulate causing the lens to cloud, making vision blurred and dim.  Cataracts form slowly and painlessly, but can eventually lead to blindness. Cataracts can be caused by metabolic diseases such as diabetes, an injury to the eye, medications, long-term exposure to the sun, eye surgery, congenital defects or aging. Please refer patients if they are experiencing any of the following: Blurry vision, with no pain Glare, or sensitivity to light Double vision in one eye The need to read with brighter light Poor night vision Dull or yellowed image