SAN DIEGO, Jan. 21, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The generation that rocked America in the '60s and '70s with songs like "I Can See Clearly Now" and "I Can See for Miles" is today rocking the nation in another way as Baby Boomers face growing and costly vision problems. According to a 2007 study from Prevent Blindness America, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, refractive eye problems, visual impairment, and blindness cost the U.S. an estimated $35.4 billion in direct medical costs, lost productivity, and other costs.
Cases of age-related eye disease are expected to increase dramatically by the year 2020-rising from about 28 million today to 43 million. Though some vision loss may be part of the natural aging process, four major eye diseases are the leading causes of blindness in older Americans. These include: glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness; AMD, which causes deterioration of central vision; cataracts, a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens; and diabetic retinopathy, where blood vessels in the retina can become damaged and leak due to the effects of diabetes.
"During National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we want to stress how important it is for aging adults to take care of their vision to retain the miraculous gift of sight," said Dr. Robert Crocker, MD, chief medical officer for Healthyroads, a leading personal health improvement company and subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Healthyroads offers Silver&Fit(r), a healthy aging program that provides seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals with unique fitness, nutrition, and health education classes and events. "Many eye problems are treatable and, with early detection, vision can be saved," Dr. Crocker continued.
Below are some tips from Healthyroads and Silver&Fit to help you protect your vision:
1. Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and diet to prevent diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness.
2. Stop smoking. Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of eye diseases.
3. Have your vision checked every 1-2 years to detect problems early.
4. Wear UV-rated sunglasses when outdoors. UV rays are dangerous for the eyes.
5. Know your family history of eye disease. Genetics can be a factor in whether you are susceptible to certain eye diseases.
6. Learn to recognize the symptoms of vision impairment early on, and obtain the appropriate corrective treatment or lenses to prevent injuries or accidents caused by poor sight.
7. See your eye doctor if you experience serious vision problems that include:
* Excessive blurriness, even when using your prescribed glasses or
contacts
* Narrowing or loss of side-view or peripheral vision
* Distortion of vision
* Blind spots
* Loss of color contrast or color perception (objects look black
and white)
If you already have vision impairment, there are adjustment classes that you can take to help you learn to live safely with your condition.
"Good vision is something we shouldn't take for granted, no matter what our age," added Dr. Crocker. "Because we all want to enjoy the beauty of a blue sky or a sunset well into our golden years, the importance of healthy vision cannot be overstated."
About American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH)
ASH provides specialty network management programs, fitness programs, lifestyle health coaching and healthy behavior incentives, Internet solutions, and worksite wellness and prevention programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide.
Based in San Diego, ASH has over 680 employees and covers 15.3 million members in specialty network management, fitness, and wellness and prevention programs. For more information, visit ASH online at ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.