The following are just a few examples:

Cataracts

            Approximately 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts and more than half of all Americans develop cataracts by age 80. Cataracts can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam and are treated with surgical removal. Early detection may save a patient’s sight.

Diabetes

            29 million Americans age 20 or older have diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans. More than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not receive the recommended vision care and are at risk for blindness. Yearly dilated eye exams are crucial for protecting vision in people with diabetes.

Glaucoma

            More than 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma. Half as many may be unaware that they have this potentially blinding disease because they have no symptoms. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision.

Macular Degeneration

            Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a chronic disease associated with aging changes in the eye that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. ARMD is the leading cause of visual impairment for people age 50 and older. Early detection and treatment is the best defense against losing vision. For those with visual impairment, low vision rehabilitation is available to help preserve quality of life and maintain maximum independence.

Eye Injuries

            Accidental eye injuries are one of the leading causes of visual impairment across all age groups in the U.S. and the leading cause of vision loss in children. Approximately 1 million eye injuries occur each year and 90% of these are preventable. The leading causes of eye injuries include sports accidents, consumer fireworks, household chemicals and battery acid, as well as workshop and yard debris. Instruct patients to always wear safety goggles when working in the workshop or yard, jump starting a car or working with cleaning or other harmful chemicals. In addition, patients should always wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. Advise patients to never use fireworks at home, but attend professional fireworks displays instead.