18 Comprehensive Eye Examination Age (yr) Frequency* 20–39 3–5 yr (whites) 2–4 yr (blacks) 40–64 2–4 yr 65+ 1–2 yr Diabetics Annually Source: Adapted from Prevent Blindness America, 2005. (www.PreventBlindness.org). Available at www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma/content2008. *Those with special risks, such as diabetes, previous eye trauma, eye surgery, or family history of glaucoma, may need more frequent monitoring. Note: According to Prevent Blindness America, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious threat to the health of U.S. citizens. More than 13 million Americans age 40 and older have some signs of AMD, many in the early stages of the disease. Between one and two million people have the more advanced, vision-threatening stages of the disease. AMD is characterized by loss of central vision, usually in both eyes, and is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65. A study by the National Eye Institute suggests that a pharmacological-level combination of supplements in high doses of zinc, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene reduce the risk of progression of moderate and advanced AMD. Although these supplements may slow the progression of AMD, they are not a cure. Because the use of high-dose nutritional supplements involves some risk, anyone considering taking these supple- ments should consult with a personal health care provider first. *Elevated fluid pressure is only one characteristic of open-angle glaucoma therefore, tonometry does not always indicate whether a person has the disease. Many with elevated fluid pressure never develop any form of glaucoma, while individuals with seemingly “normal pressure” during an examination develop the disease. For this reason, tonometry should be viewed as one important component of the overall examination for glaucoma, but should not be the only test used for glaucoma detection.