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Vision Statistics and Tips: Early Detection of Vision Problems is Key

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are close to 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older with a cataract. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have a cataract. Exposure to Ultra-Violet (UV) rays can burn delicate eye tissue and raise the risk of developing cataracts and cancers of the eye. It is important to protect your eyes from UV dangers by choosing the right sunglasses.

One in 20 preschoolers has amblyopia (a serious condition that can result in monocular blindness) and one in 50 children suffer from strabismus (or "crossed eyes"). As a child develops, an eye disease becomes more difficult to correct. It is never too early to start taking care of a child's sight. Many eye problems in children can be effectively treated and corrected if diagnosed early.

Although there is no known cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), research continues for the disease, including promising new drug therapies designed to slow the effects. Diets rich in certain antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin can help protect the eyes against Macular Degeneration. Pharmacological-level doses of Zinc, Vitamins C and E, and Beta-carotene may help slow the progression. Vision rehabilitation by a low vision specialist can help persons with Macular Degeneration to make the best use of their remaining vision.

More than 2 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from glaucoma. Nearly half do not know they have the disease because it has no early symptoms. Annual eye examinations and glaucoma screenings can help detect glaucoma before vision loss occurs.

Sight-threatening eye disease is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and can often be present even with good vision. Early detection and appropriate treatment of diabetic eye disease greatly reduces the risk of visual loss. If patients are between 10 and 30 years of age, they should have their first complete eye examination after five years. If they are over 30 years of age, they should have an exam right after they have been diagnosed.

After the initial eye examination, persons with diabetes mellitus should receive examinations annually unless more frequent examinations are indicated by the presence of abnormalities.