Boomers and Eye Disease
Boomers are starting to experience age-related vision problems. Since 2000, the number of 40+ Americans with vision impairment and blindness, cataracts, and open-angle glaucoma has increased approximately 20% per condition. Meanwhile, the same population has seen an 89% rise in diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in American adults. By 2032, the number of cases of blindness, low vision, and age-related eye disease is expected to increase by 56% to 64 million cases. While part of this growth is due to the sheer size of the Boomer generation, it’s also the result of their higher rates of obesity and diabetes. (Stats from Prevent Blindness & National Eye Institute)
Major Eye Diseases
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- 2.1 million Americans have advanced AMD; an estimated 3.7 million will have advanced AMD by 2030.
Glaucoma
- 2.7 million Americans have glaucoma; an estimated 4.3 million will have glaucoma by 2030.
Diabetic Retinopathy
- 7.7 million Americans have diabetic retinopathy; an estimated 11.3 million will have diabetic retinopathy by 2030.
Cataract
- 24 million Americans are affected by cataract; an estimated38.7 million will be affected by cataract by 2030.
How can you preserve your vision?
- Know your family history.
- Wear the right eye protection: sunglasses; safety glasses; & sports glasses.
- Don’t smoke.
- Keep your body healthy to keep your eyes healthy: exercise, get enough sleep, eat healthy, maintain a healthy weight.
- Get a dilated eye exam at doctor recommended intervals. Early detection and treatment can preserve sight.
