Vision, Aging, and Public Health ? Families & Consumers

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Dr. Linda Benjamin Bobroff, Ph.D., RD, LD/N? of the University of Florida Dept. of Family, Youth & Community Sciences reminds us about an important publication, The State of Vision, Aging, and Public Health in America put out by the CDC.? Dr. Bobroff informs us

This CDC publication provides information about vision impairment and loss among the nation?s elderly population, including data from the 2006-08 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Persons with moderate or extreme vision loss were more like to self-report their health status as poor and less likely to report their health status as excellent. The major eye diseases addressed are cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Access to eye care and barriers to seeking eye care also are discussed. This 16-page booklet is available to download at: http://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/pdf/vision_brief.pdf

While the CEC publication does have statistics targeted at researchers it can be an interesting read for the general public.? The publication will provide a short description of common eye diseases and some statics about those most commonly affected.? By being informed about these diseases and about the groups most commonly affected you could be the encouragement your love one needs to seek help.? According to the publication,

?Among adults who reported moderate or extreme vision loss, nearly ? said that cost or insurance concerns prevented them from seeking eye care.? Medicare pays for glaucoma screening, cataract removal, and treatment of macular degeneration in some cases.? It does not pay for routine eye examinations or glasses.?

Knowing even this is important because you or your loved one can talk to your primary care physicians about your eye health and being referred to a specialist for a visit that could be potentially covered. ?Vision loss is a serious public health concern affecting more than 2.9 million individuals in the United States,? you or your loved one is not alone and seeking more information could be the first step in the right direction.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The State of Vision, Aging, and Public Health in America. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2011

L. Bobroff (personal communication, October 22, 2012).

Source: http://jefferson.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/2012/10/22/vision-aging-and-public-health/

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