According to a new report by Prevent Blindness America, eye diseases are rising at an alarming rate in the United States, with many of these vision problems are severe enough to cause vision loss or even blindness.
United States Eye Disease Statistics
- Instances of Diabetic Retinopathy, which involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina, have risen 89% over the past 12 years., now affecting nearly 8 million Americans over the age of 40.
- Instances of Macular Degeneration, which affects the part of the eye (macula) that provides sharp, central vision, have risen 25%, now affecting more than 2 million American over the age of 50.
- Instances of Cataracts, which is the leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 and older, have risen 19%. The eye disease now affects more than 24 million Americans over the age of 40.
- Instances of Open Angle Glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma, have risen 22%, now affecting more than 3 million American over the age of 40.
- 34 million Americans over the age of 40 have Myopia (Nearsightedness).
- 14 million Americans over the age of 40 have Hyperopia (Farsightedness).
- 2.9 million Americans suffer from Low Vision.
- Currently, about 1.3 million Americans are Legally Blind.
Preventing Vision Loss
The best way to protect your eye health is by getting regular eye checkups from your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist. During your checkup, your eye doctor will not only evaluate your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but he/she will also inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems that could lead to vision loss.
To learn more about Eye Diseases or Proper Eye Health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.
Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
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Sources:
Eye Diseases Rising at a Rapid Rate in U.S.