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Latest Data Shows Rising Number of Seniors With Eye Disease
By
Stephen Baetge
Staff Writer
Millions
of Americans are currently living with age-related eye disease, and
according to the latest research from Prevent Blindness America and
the National Eye Institute, that number is continuing to climb.
With over 130 million Americans aged 40 and older, more than 30 million suffer
from leading causes of vision loss such as cataract, diabetic retinopathy, macular
degeneration and glaucoma, according to the newly-revised edition of the Vision
Problems in the U.S. study.
The study was an update of the data from the 2002 Vision Problems in the U.S.
report on the prevalence of eye diseases and conditions in America. Information
gathered was the result of data collection from a systematic review of the major
epidemiological studies from leading ophthalmologic epidemiologists.
Revised data from the “Vision Problems in the U.S.” study showed
that among Americans aged 40 and older:
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cases rose 25 percent, the largest
increase of the major eye diseases. Currently, two million Americans have been
diagnosed with AMD.
• Diabetic retinopathy affects more than 4.4 million. As the diabetes epidemic
rages on, the number of cases of the disease will continue to soar.
• There are 2.29 million American adults with glaucoma, the sneak thief
of sight. But two million more are estimated to have the disease and do not know
it.
• Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world, and 22.3 million
American adults have the disease. Although surgery can be highly successful,
not all Americans are fortunate enough to have access to affordable care.
“Our research shows that vision loss continues to threaten the quality-of-life
for millions of Americans,” said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president
of Prevent Blindness America.
“Our challenge continues to be an education, whether it be convincing the
public to practice regular eye care or by convincing our government leaders that
millions of precious healthcare dollars can be saved through prevention services.”
As the baby boomer population continues to age, the number of those who are visually
impaired is expected to double over the next 30 years. And, from an economic
perspective, the costs associated with adult vision problems in the United States
are $51.4 billion.
Research from Prevent Blindness America’s 2007 “Economic Impact of
Vision Problems: The Toll of Major Adult Eye Disorders, Visual Impairment, and
Blindness on the U.S. Economy,” totaled the financial costs of vision conditions
to individuals and their caregivers and the impact on the economy.
“The good news is that in most cases, the effects of eye disease can be
minimized through early detection and treatment,” added Garrett. “We
strongly urge everyone to make an appointment with their eye care professional
today to help protect their sight!”
Recently-retired Spectrum columnist Stan Gilliam, 84, ended a 30-year journalism
career due to the effects of dry age-related macular degeneration.
“I’ve had vision problems all of my life,” said Gilliam. “By
the time I was seven I was wearing glasses. Dr. Lew Hulse said I’d be blind
by 1921. I had progressive myopia.”
“Now I’m being treated by two ophthalmologists; one for glaucoma
and the other for retina (dry AMD). I can still see marginally. Any studies or
agencies attempting to improve conditions related to these detrimental eye disorders
are providing a valuable service.”
For more information on eye disease or to receive a copy of the 2008 Vision Problems
in the U.S. report, please call Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or
visit www.preventblindness.org.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
