Older Doesn’t Always Mean Wiser When it Comes to
Age-Related Eye Diseases
Macular degeneration and glaucoma among the top areas Americans have the most misunderstanding according to the New York State Optometric Association

ALBANY, NY (June 1, 2010)—People may grow wiser with age, but not necessarily when it comes to knowledge about coping with and preventing the onset of age-related eye diseases and disorders. According to new information from the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) annual American Eye-Q® survey, one in three respondents aged 55 or older report not taking any steps to cope with age-related eye and vision problems.

Often, age-related changes in vision are noticeable around age 40 and can include:

• Difficulty seeing things up close or far away
• Problems seeing in low light or at night
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Difficulty distinguishing between shades of colors
• Seeing distorted images
• Loss of central or side vision

Some age-related vision issues can be easily addressed with the help of an optometrist who can work with patients to:

• Prescribe rewetting eye drops or artificial tears
• Recommend use of brighter lights
• Suggest limiting night time driving
• Prescribe glasses and/or contacts

The New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA) warns, however, some minor vision changes may be symptoms of diseases leading to permanent vision loss. The possibility of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts—all of which cause vision loss if not treated—increases with age. Baby boomers and seniors should be aware of age-related eye diseases and disorders including:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—an eye disease causing loss of central vision
• Diabetic retinopathy—a condition occurring in people with diabetes, which causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye
• Cataracts—a cloudy or opaque area in the clear lens of the eye
• Glaucoma—a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting in peripheral (side) and central vision loss
• Dry eye—a condition where there is an insufficient amount of tears or a poor quality of tears to lubricate and nourish the eye

The AOA’s 2010 American Eye-Q® survey also revealed several areas for concern regarding the overall understanding of adult eye conditions and diseases:

• Only 15% of Americans know macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults
• More than half of all Americans (56%) incorrectly believe glaucoma is preventable, when in fact it may be treatable if caught early
• Less than four in 10 people correctly identify health conditions that can affect eye health such as high cholesterol or heart disease

“A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist can detect glaucoma, as well as other eye diseases,” said Dr. Michele Lagana. “Early detection and treatment of these vision disorders can help many patients preserve their vision, giving them more years of independence and good quality of life.”

The NYSOA also recommends visiting a doctor of optometry on a regular basis for comprehensive eye exams to help ensure healthy vision overall. The AOA guidelines suggest adults age 60 and under have a comprehensive eye exam every two years and then annually thereafter. Children should have their vision checked at 6 months of age. Unless problems are detected, the next exam should be at age 3, again before entering school and then every other year thereafter. Based on an individual’s eye health or the presence of certain risk factors, your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.

To find an optometrist near you, use the doctor locator on the AOA Web site at www.nysoa.org.

About the survey
The fifth annual American Eye-Q® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From April 14-21, 2010, using an online methodology, PSB interviewed 1,007 Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of U.S. general population. (Margin of error at 95 percent confidence level.)

About the New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA)
The New York State Optometric Association, founded in 1895, is dedicated to enhancing the vision care and health of the public and promoting the art and science of optometry.

New York State Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

A non-profit individual membership organization, NYSOA works with local affiliated optometric associations throughout New York State, and is affiliated with the American Optometric Association (AOA). Members practice in a variety of settings including private offices, in association with other optometric professionals, and in hospital clinics and health maintenance organizations. Based in Albany, the NYSOA has over 1,000 members.

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