SUNDAY, Feb. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Even people with no signs or
risk factors for eye disease can suffer vision loss and need to get
baseline eye exams at age 40, says the American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO).
The reminder is part of the academy's EyeSmart campaign to mark
Save Your Vision Month in February.
"Many eye diseases progress without any warning sings," Dr.
Stephanie Marioneaux, a clinical correspondent for the AAO, said in
a prepared statement. "Gradual changes in vision can affect your
ability to function independently and have confidence in your
abilities. One of the hardest adjustments a person can make is
adapting to life with permanent vision loss. That is why nothing
replaces a comprehensive baseline eye exam."
Based on the findings from the initial screening, an
ophthalmologist will create a schedule for follow-up eye exams.
People of any age who have symptoms of eye disease or at high
risk due to family history, diabetes or high blood pressure should
consult with their ophthalmologist to determine how often they
should have their eyes checked, the AAO recommends.
By 2020, 43 million Americans will be at significant risk for
vision loss or blindness due to age-related eye diseases such as
cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
That's a more than 50 percent increase over the current number of
Americans with such vision-threatening diseases.
But many Americans are unconcerned about the risk of vision
loss. Only 23 percent of Americans are very concerned about losing
their vision, while most feel weight gain or joint or back pain are
greater worries than vision loss, according to an AAO survey
conducted for its EyeSmart campaign.
"Unfortunately, millions of people with suffer significant
vision loss and blindness because they don't know the risks. That
is why the academy launched the EyeSmart campaign, because knowing
your risks can save your sight," Marioneaux said.
More information
The U.S. National Eye Institute has more about
eye
disease risk.
