The report, titled “Vision Problems in the U.S.” shows that adults over forty with vision impairment, eye disease, and blindness has increased twenty-three percent since 2000. Since the main cause of vision impairment and blindness in America is age-related eye disease and the fact that the baby boomers are aging, we can see where these numbers are coming from.
This does not mean that the numbers are any less frightening. Just consider the following statistics of the leading eye diseases in the United States:
Age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD had a twenty-five percent increase from 2000.
Open-Angle Glaucoma had a twenty-two percent increase from 2000.
Cataracts impact nineteen percent more people now than they did in 2000.
Diabetic Retinopathy now affects 89 percent more people than it did in 2000.
That last statistic is the most alarming. According to Hugh R. Parry, president and chief executive officer of Prevent Blindness America, “It’s no surprise that the numbers of those affected by eye disease are continuing to climb, especially due to the aging baby boomer population “What is exceptionally concerning is the dramatic spike in diabetic retinopathy cases, a consequence of the diabetes epidemic that this country is experiencing with no end in sight.”
Diabetic Retinopathy causes the small blood vessels in the retina to become compromised, eventually impairing vision. The chance of developing this disease increases the longer a person has diabetes. Those who were diagnosed with juvenile-onset diabetes have the greatest risk. By carefully controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, chances of developing a serious case of this disease is reduced.
Almost twenty-six million Americans have diabetes, and the numbers are increasing. It is also the number one cause of blindness in twenty to seventy-four year olds. This is why Tribeca eye care wants to encourage patients with diabetes to schedule annual exams in order to stay one step ahead of this disease.
The increase of eye disease has had an economic impact as well. According to a preliminary update to the “Economic Impact of Vision Problems” 2007 report, there has been a dramatic rise in the cost of medical care and related expenditures for eye disease, in excess of one billion dollars.
As the baby boomer generation advances in years, expect to continue to see the rise of eye disease in the adult population. But by taking eye care seriously, protecting them from the sun, and making yearly visits to your Tribeca Vision optician Manhattan, adults can take steps to catch and treat any signs of eye disease. http://www.tribecavisioncare.com/
