As Baby Boomers Age, Eye and Vision Maintenance is Critical

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Rita Sitto
Franco Public Relations Group
O: (313) 567-6008
sitto@franco.com

As Baby Boomers Age, Eye and Vision Maintenance is Critical

The Michigan Optometric Association recommends annual visits to maintain vision throughout a lifetime

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LANSING, Mich. – (November 20, 2008) – According to the latest U.S. Census, more than a quarter of Americans are 55 years old or older — this is due greatly to the aging baby boomer population. In recognition of the growing number of Americans with aging eyes, the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) is putting an emphasis on annual visits to an optometrist to maintain eye and vision health throughout a lifetime.

According to the American Optometric Association’s 2008 American Eye-Q® survey, which assesses public knowledge of a wide range of issues related to eye and visual health, 72 percent of respondents age 55 and older began experiencing changes in vision between the ages of 40 and 45. Their top concerns about the effects of vision problems include not being able to live independently (cited by 48 percent), losing the ability to drive (cited by 23 percent) and being unable to read (cited by 21 percent).

Health problems in other parts of the body can affect vision as well. Individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes have an increased risk of eye disease. Also, certain medications have eye-related side effects, which lead to a great risk for developing vision problems.

“Baby boomers need to be aware that diabetes makes them 25 to 30 times more likely to lose their sight from retinopathy, cataracts or glaucoma than those without diabetes,” said Jennifer Lintz, O.D., MOA member. “When more people develop these types of chronic conditions and begin taking medications more frequently, regular comprehensive eye exams become especially important.”

Although the American Eye-Q survey revealed that more than half of Americans are aware of the many risks of age-related eye diseases, respondents had a limited understanding of the fact that without treatment, some eye diseases result in blindness. Macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are among the top age-related eye health conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss.

“Fortunately, rehabilitative services are available for people with conditions such as low vision to regain their independence and to help preserve their remaining vision,” said Dr. Lintz. “An optometrist can develop a rehabilitation program to help people with low vision live and work more effectively, efficiently and safely.”

Treatment options commonly include spectacle-mounted magnifiers, miniature hand-held or spectacle-mounted telescopes, and video magnification devices that enlarge reading materials on a video display monitor.

To locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor, visit the MOA Web site at www.themoa.org and click on the Vision Care tab.

About the Michigan Optometric Association
The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.

About the American Eye-Q survey
The American Eye-Q survey showed how respondents age 55 and older are addressing their age-related vision problems. More than half, or 60 percent, said they schedule frequent eye exams; 28 percent said they limit their night driving; 29 percent are increasing the nutrients necessary for healthy eyes; and 9 percent purchase books and other materials in large print.

[Dr. Lintz is available for interviews. Please contact Rita Sitto at (313) 567-5008.]

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