Aging U.S. population at risk for eye disease

More than 43 million Americans will develop age-related eye diseases by 2020, and the majority of those who are most at risk are unaware, an eye doctors' association reports today.

To reverse the trend, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is launching its EyeSmart campaign — which includes a new set of screening recommendations and a website, geteyesmart.org.

"Many of these diseases are preventable, but people don't get checked until they begin experiencing symptoms," says H. Dunbar Hoskins, executive vice president of the academy. "And at that point, it might be too late in the process."

The academy now recommends all adults be screened for eye disease at age 40, when symptoms and vision changes typically appear.

Everyone considered "at risk" — those with a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure — should be screened immediately, Hoskins says. The campaign aims to raise awareness about and prevent five major eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye and glaucoma. Symptoms include pain or redness in the eye and impaired vision, Hoskins says. If untreated, serious vision loss or blindness is likely to occur.

"The earlier you begin treatment, the more likely it is to be successful," Hoskins says. "But most Americans either don't think they're at risk or think it's a trivial issue."

The academy today released a 1,200-person survey that reports only 11% of Americans consider themselves at risk for eye disease. The academy estimates that each year, eye disease costs the U.S. about $51.4 billion. Medicare costs for indirect eye disease expenses — including nursing care and assisted-living facilities — are about $2 billion.

Source:www.usatoday.com