As people live longer and baby boomers reach maturity, age-related eye diseases are expected to dramatically increase – from 28 million today to 43 million by the year 2020 as estimated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. By age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision-limiting disease, including:
Fortunately, excellent treatments exist for most of the age-related eye problems. Blindness can virtually be eliminated from diabetic retinopathy with laser photocoagulation treatment applied at certain stages of the disease. More advanced cases can often be salvaged with vitreous surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations in medicine. Over 1 million Americans undergo the procedure yearly with the over 95% of them showing improvement in vision. The remaining 5% who do not show improvement in vision often can be stabilized with useful vision.
Glaucoma is now more reliably diagnosed and tracked for progression using technologically advanced tools such as laser scanners and digital photography. Recent advances in glaucoma pharmaceuticals control glaucoma eye pressure much more effectively for a broader number of patients. For those who progress, more laser and surgical methods, and drains and tubes give the ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist whole armamentarium to combat blindness.
Age-related macular degeneration affects the central or fine vision. It increases dramatically with age, with only 1% or less of 65-year-olds having visual loss from the problem to over 20% in theirs 80s. Large studies and clinical experience have shown that we can effectively slow down the progression of the dry form of macular degeneration with simple measures such as a balanced vitamin preparation and by pursuing a diet rich in fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. For those patients who develop the wet or exudative form of age-related macular degeneration, a revolutionary move toward pharmacological treatment with Lucentis helps to stabilize over 90% of patients with this condition and even improves the vision in approximately one third.
Ophthalmology has never had a better chance to maintain or improve vision. It is mandatory that seniors who have the highest incidents of the leading visual disorders be evaluated and have their visual complaints taken seriously. It has never been truer that regular ophthalmic evaluation prevents blindness. We hope to let these seniors continue to see and enjoy their golden years.
Timely intervention is key to maintaining good vision. Patients and family can help to accomplish this. To deal with this problem, EyeCare America, a Public Service Foundation of the America Academy of Ophthalmology operates the largest public service program in American medicine including individual eye care programs for seniors, glaucoma, and diabetes. Eligible callers receive a referral to one of over 7500 volunteer ophthalmologists.
The senior program provides comprehensive eye exams and treatments for any condition detected in the initial visit for up to one year at no out-of-pocket cost. Nationwide, EyeCare America Senior Program has helped in treating more than 200,000 cases of eye disease. Volunteer physicians have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full with no out-of-pocket expense to the patient. Individuals without insurance of any kind are not billed. This volunteer program encourages all seniors to have their eyes examined annually. The EyeCare America Program is cosponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.
Dr. James Maisel, M.D., has practiced as a retina specialist for over 20 years.