Looking Ahead: Improving Our Vision for the Future
Vision and eye problems are increasing as America ages.
90 million Americans over 40 have vision and eye problems.
That’s more than 3 in 5.
By 2050, without effective interventions:
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Diabetic retinopathy will increase 72%
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Cataracts will increase 87%
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Glaucoma will increase 100%
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Age-related macular degeneration will increase 100%
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Vision impairment and blindness will increase 150%
Vision loss touches every part of people’s lives.
People with vision loss are more likely to have:
Type 2 Diabetes
Depression
Stroke
Hearing loss
Chronic kidney disease
Vision loss is also related to:
Isolation
Balance problems
Falls and fall-related injuries
Risk of early death
Access to eye care + Early detection = Improved vision health + Lower costs
CDC’s Vision Health Initiative
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ASSESSES the impact of vision loss and identifies populations at risk
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Uses APPLIED public health research to develop evidence-based interventions and understand the costs of vision loss
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AIMS to increase awareness of vision and eye health, improve access to vision care, and promote the health of people with vision loss
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ADVANCES vision and eye health as a public health priority through support of state and territorial health department activities