Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: June 2, 2010
A message from the American Optometric Association:
OPTOMETRISTS ANTICIPATE “BOOM” IN EYE DISEASES AS BABY BOOMERS TURN 60
Save Your Vision Month Promotes Regular Eye Exams
March 1, 2006 – In a year where an estimated 2.8 million baby boomers will celebrate their 60th birthday, age-related eye diseases are becoming increasingly important health issues, according to the American Optometric Association. As part of national Save Your Vision Month in March, the AOA is reminding Americans 60 and older that early detection through a comprehensive eye exam can prevent or slow vision loss due to cataracts and other age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
“Today’s 60-year-olds are more health conscious than 60-year-olds 20 years ago,” said Richard C. Edlow, O.D., American Optometric Association Information and Data Committee chair. “But being better informed about health risks, improved technology and treatment options has not necessarily translated into including regular eye examinations into their health care routine.”
The National Eye Institute estimates that over the next 30 years, the current number of blind or visually impaired Americans will double because of aging baby boomers. According to the AOA, 20.5 million people age 60 and over have cataracts, a leading cause of poor vision in the United States.
“Age-related eye diseases do not have to lead to vision loss or blindness,” Dr. Edlow said. “Some of these diseases have no symptoms in the early stages, which is when it is most critical to help slow the progression of vision loss.”
A comprehensive eye examination provides doctors of optometry with information about the health of the eyes, and also offers indications about diseases that affect the whole body, like diabetes and hypertension.
In observance of “Save Your Vision Month”, Red Hot Mamas is interested in learning more about your eye care and concerns during the menopausal years. We know that many of you experience symptoms like dry, burning eyes and blurred vision. Our hope is to get more information from you about the visual symptoms and what you do to alleviate them.
So, we need your help! In the next few weeks, we will be surveying our Red Hot Mamas members with nine, short questions. The survey results will be published in an upcoming issue of The Menopause Minute. Please support our initiative by participating in the survey to provide invaluable information to other women and their healthcare providers. Your eyes deserve to be protected and monitored!
For more information about Save Your Vision Month, please visit the American Optometric Association
