Early Detection of Eye Disease

Presented by: Loy D. Brown, Optometrist

The Helena Independent Record (10/19/2011) reports;” From a public health perspective, blindness and vision loss put serious social and economic burden on both individuals and society, causing suffering, disability, loss of productivity, and a diminished quality of life.” According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), eye disease and vision loss cost the United States about $68 billion a year.

In the USA the top diseases which produce vision loss are; cataracts, diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. With the exemption of diabetes, most of these diseases are age related meaning as we grow older our risk of developing one of these conditions increases. At age 60 there is a marked increase in incidence of these diseases. We adults tend to put off having regular eye exams till we notice something is amiss in our vision. Waiting too long is not good since early detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy leads to the best management and treatment of the disease. In short the earlier the disease is detected the better the chances of preventing visual loss. Regular visits to the eye doctor will insure early detection and treatment thus reducing the vision loss.

On the other end of the age spectrum, children and teens have a low incidence of ocular disease. In two recent studies supported by the National Institutes of Health, data suggests that about 4% of preschoolers have myopia (nearsighted), 21% have hyperopia (farsighted), and 10% have astigmatism. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are correctable with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Once again early detection is the key to giving a child quality vision. Correcting these visual problems, if present before age two, can help prevent a life time of amblyopia  (lazy eye).

To summarize vision is an amazing sense and loss of it has dire consequences for the individual and community. A significant reduction in visual loss can be achieved through early detection and treatment. Make it a habit to have your eyes checked regularly.

Cedar Eye Care has been serving residents of Iron County for over 30 years.  Cedar Eye Care is located at 51 E. 400 N. #4A Cedar City, UT and can be contacted at 435 586-1500.  

Cedar Eye Care - Helping You See Life