Rising Number of Older Americans at Risk of Vision Loss

A new study in JAMA Ophthalmology warns that millions of older Americans are at risk of vision loss as their population increases, according to U.S. News & World Report . Federal health data indicated that the number at high risk for vision loss rose from 65 million to 93 million between 2002 and 2017. "The number of adults at high risk for vision loss . . . may continue to increase in the coming years with the increasing population of adults over 65 years and prevalence of diabetes," said Sharon Saydah at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "While the percent of adults at high risk for vision loss who receive eye care services has increased, disparities in eye care services by education level and poverty status persisted over time." Roughly 57 percent of more than 30,000 adults who participated in nationwide government health surveys in 2002 and 2017 said they had an annual eye exam, and almost 60 percent said the exam included dilating their eyes. However, close to 9 percent who needed eyeglasses said they could not afford them. Eye exams also can detect diabetes, and Lenox Hill Hospital ophthalmologist Mark Fromer said diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are the diseases that most affect older people's vision. He recommends annual eye exams to ensure that any problems are spotted early.