Facts About Aging and Vision

From information provided by the American Foundation for the Blind.

Visual impairment is common among people over the age of 55 because four common eye diseases -- macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy -- are associated with the aging process.

As the elderly population increases, a significantly higher incidence of visual impairment is expected. Older African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians are at higher risk for diabetes and the diabetic retinopathy associated with it. Older African Americans also experience a much higher rate of glaucoma than other groups.

Visual impairment is defined as decreased visual ability that impacts daily activities. Severe visual impairment is defined as the inability to read newspaper print.

Today . . .

• the 32.8 million people over 65 make up 12.7% of the U.S. population.
• one out of nine people over 65 is severely visually impaired.
• vision loss is among the most frequently reported disabilities affecting the elderly.
• an estimated 4 million older Americans are blind or visually impaired.
• one out of four people 85 years and older -- the fasted growing age group -- is severely visually impaired.
• sixty-six percent of visually impaired people have at least one other chronic condition, such as heart disease, arthritis, or hearing impairment.
• sixty-six percent of visually impaired older people live in their own home. The remainder are in supportive living arrangements, including living with family members or in nursing homes.