By: Heather Knapp

 Did you know that blindness and vision problems are in the top 10 disabilities for American’s over the age of 18? About 18% of children under the age of 18 have a diagnosed vision problem (CDC, 2017) this problem is important because vision problems affect our ability to read, write, drive, cook, and be social. This is hard not just on the person with vision problems, but also for their loved ones who may worry about their safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2017) explain that non-Hispanic white individuals are among the group mostly likely to experience these problems, and the second highest group to suffer from vision problems is expected to shift from African American to Hispanic by the year 2050. The population of people with vision problems is expected to double by 2050 because of the aging population in the U.S.

Vision problems can have a much deeper impact on a person than just safety issues. It can cause a person to isolate themselves, stress in the family, and actually is linked to that person having a greater tendency to experience other health problems or premature death.

Here are some quick facts from the CDC about Americans and eye health:

·         About 6.1 million Americans are at high risk for serious vision loss, but about half have visited the eye doctor in the last year.

·         Early detection and treatment for eye conditions has been found to be more effective and saves money.

·         The National Commission on Prevention Priorities has identified vision screening for adults aged 65 and older are one of the to 10 priorities among effective clinical preventative services.

·         Check out the CDC’s website for more facts about vision problems in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/fastfacts.htm

So what does the CDC say you do keep your eyes healthy?

·         Get an exam! Even if your vision isn’t blurry, your eyes can have problems that can only be seen with a full exam by your eye doctor.

·         Know your family’s eye history.

·         Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increase your risk for diabetes and other conditions that can affect your vision.

·         Wear protective eyewear when working outside, playing sports. This includes wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays! Look for shades that block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation.

·         Quit smoking, or never start.

·         Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet in front of you, for 20 seconds.

·         Clean your contact lenses and hands properly to avoid infection.

Now is a great time to get your and your family’s eye exams in before kids go back to school and the end of the year busy times start!