Most people think of vision as coming in two forms: good or bad. However, with Americans now living significantly longer lives, vision loss, or “low vision”, from eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy has become a huge issue among people of all ages.

QUICK FACTS:

• With today’s knowledge and technology, up to 80 percent of global blindness is preventable or treatable (World Health Organization’s Prevention of Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment Report, Dec.2008)

• Without effective, major intervention, the number of blind people is projected to increase to 76 million by 2020. (Vision 2020: Joint program of the WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness)

• Only half of estimated 61 million U.S. adults classified as being high risk for serious vision loss has visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months. (National Health Interview Survey, 2002)

• The number of Americans who report some form of visual impairment is expected to double by 2030 as the aging population brings rising rates of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases (National Eye Institute, 2006).

• The annual cost of adult vision problems in the U.S. comes to approximately $51.4 billion. (Prevent Blindness America, 2007)

• It is estimated that the lifetime costs for all people with vision impairment who were born in 2000 will total $2.5 billion. Keep in mind that is only the people born in 2000. (Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, 2003).

• American adults aged 40 years and older are at the greatest risk for eye diseases. The major eye diseases among people aged 40 years and older are age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. These diseases are often asymptomatic in the early treatable stages. The prevalence of blindness and vision impairment increases rapidly with age among all racial and ethnic groups, particularly after age 75. (Prevent Blindness America, 2002)

• Between now and 2030 — the year the last boomer will be 65 — the number of Americans 65 and older will double from 35.6 million to 71.5 million. This group will represent nearly 20% of the nation’s population. Another baby boomer turns 50 every 7 seconds. (U.S. Census)

**For more statistics, visit Information on the Eye – Vision Problems in the U.S.

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Donnica Moore, M.D.
3/16/2004

Most people think of vision as coming in two forms: good or bad. However, with Americans now living significantly longer lives, vision loss, or “low vision”, from eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy has become a huge issue among older people. In the United States alone, 16.5 million persons over age 45 report having some vision loss (*1995 Lighthouse National Survey on Vision Loss” data). People are considered to have “low vision” when their eyesight cannot be corrected by ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery.

Many adults are not as conscientious as they should be about getting routine annual checkups from an eye care professional. You may need a specific examination for low vision if you have difficulty reading the newspaper or other fine print, even while wearing glasses; seeing traffic signals or highway signs; seeing the curb when walking; adapting to light when entering indoors; or if you have trouble with sun glare.

Conducted by specially trained optometrists and ophthalmologists, the low vision examination is designed to accurately evaluate how one’s vision functions in day-to-day living. It is not only about how well you see an eye chart, but also how well you see faces, street signs, newspaper print, and all the other visual clues that guide you through the day.

As a result of this examination, you may be prescribed specific devices such as magnifiers to make best use of your existing vision. In addition, vision rehabilitation counselors can help to maximize any remaining sight, as well as equip individuals with the techniques to maintain an independent lifestyle.