COLUMBUS – Prevent Blindness Ohio, as a partner of "Am Eye Healthy?" a new health education campaign in association with 19 national, leading consumer, senior, patient and health groups, and Novartis Ophthalmics, offered free vision screenings and eye health information February 1 at St. Stephen’s Community House. LifeCare Alliance served as co-sponsor of the event.
"Am Eye Healthy?" partners provided free eye screenings in cities across the country to raise awareness of the importance of regular vision care. Franklin County Commissioner Dewey Stokes kicked off the event in Columbus by reading a proclamation from the County and having his vision screened. Commission Stokes said, “All citizens of Franklin County should become more aware of eye health risks and prevention and follow suggested guidelines for vision screenings and eye exams.”
Franklin County Commissioner Dewey Stokes kicked off the Am Eye Healthy event at St. Stephen’s Community House by reading a proclamation from the County and having his vision screened.
Prevent Blindness Ohio screened a total of 36 people and 24 were referred for comprehensive, professional vision care based on risk factors. Eleven of the 24 people referred had potential risk factors in their visual field, which may indicate the possibility of eye disease that can lead to vision loss if not treated.
Over the next three decades more than 2.5 million aging Ohioans will be affected by sight-threatening eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These four diseases are creating a devastating emotional and economic impact on Ohioans age 40 and older, their families, caregivers and on Ohio’s work force:
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More than 71,000 Ohioans over age 50 suffer from late AMD, a debilitating disease that damages central vision and is the most common cause of legal blindness and vision impairment in older Ohioans.
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Cataract, a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens, affects nearly 880,000 Ohio’s age 65 and older; however, cataract can occur at any age and is the leading cause of blindness in the world.
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About 92,000 Ohioans have glaucoma—and half don’t know it. Glaucoma causes gradual death of the optic nerve and silently robs people of their peripheral vision; it frequently goes unnoticed until significant optic nerve damage has occurred. Almost 17,000 African American Ohioans have glaucoma, often before the age of 40, and approximately 2.2 million Americans suffer from this stealth disease.
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There are 270,000 Ohioans with diabetic retinopathy, which involves damage to or abnormal growth of tiny blood vessels of the retina. This disease is a common complication of diabetes, which affects approximately 700,000 Ohioans. The longer someone has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. (Source: Vision Problems in Ohio 2003)
These sobering statistics reflect the need for increased public awareness about eye health, available treatments and the importance of regular checkup for early detection. This is the goal of Am Eye Healthy? and a priority for Prevent Blindness Ohio.
"With our increasing aging population, it is essential that we educate ourselves regarding these aging eye diseases and do all we can to prevent vision loss now," said Sherill K. Williams, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio. "Vision screenings and regular, professional eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy vision."
The Am Eye Healthy? vision screening included a near and distance visual acuity, vision history and risk assessment, and peripheral vision testing . Information about eye health, vision loss prevention and resources and options for those living with eye disease were also available.
According to a survey conducted for the campaign, one in ten Americans admitted that their eyes have not been examined in the past 5 years. Prevent Blindness Ohio looks forward to educating Americans to ensure they know that once every five years is not enough to ensure good eye health, particularly for seniors age 65 and older.
Am Eye Healthy? campaign partners include the 60 Plus Association, AMD Alliance International, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind, American Society on Aging, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Foundation Fighting Blindness, League of United Latin American Citizens, Lighthouse International, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Association for Visually Handicapped, National Caucus and Center On Black Aged, National Consumers League, National Hispanic Council on Aging, Older Women’s League, Prevent Blindness America, The Seniors Coalition and SeniorNet, working in partnership with Novartis Ophthalmics. More information can be found at www.ameyehealthy.org.
Prevent Blindness Ohio, founded in 1957, is Ohio’s leading volunteer, nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight. It serves all 88 Ohio counties, providing direct services to more than 600,000 Ohioans annually and educating millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. Prevent Blindness Ohio is an affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, the country’s second-oldest national voluntary health organization. For more information or to make a contribution, visit our website at www.pbohio.org or call 800-301-2020.
