1,046,920 people in the U.S. age 40 and older are blind
Legal blindness is typically defined as visual acuity with best correction in the better eye worse than or equal to 20/200 or a visual field extent of less than 20 degrees in diameter.
3,406,280 people in the U.S. age 40 and older are visually impaired
Vision Impairment is defined as having 20/40 or worse
vision in the better eye even with eyeglasses.
20,476,040 people in the U.S. age 40 and older have cataracts
Cataract is a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens. One in every six people in this age range will be affected by cataract. By age 80, more than half of all Americans have cataract.
2,227,485 people in the U.S. age 40 and older have glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease that causes a gradual degeneration of cells that make up the optic nerve. As nerve cells die, vision is slowly lost. Often, the loss of vision is unnoticeable until significant nerve damage has occurred.
5,353,233 people in the U.S. age 18 and older have diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes affecting the tiny blood vessels of the retina. These vessels can break down, leak, become blocked, or abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina -- impairing vision over time.
1,651,335 people in the U.S. age 50 and older have AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) primarily affects the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Dry AMD (non-exudative) is the most common form of the disease. Wet AMD (exudative) is less common, but is more threatening to vision.
Click here for the complete Vision Problems in the U.S. Report
Financial Assistance and Vision Care Resources
How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?
Prevent Blindness Programs and Services in Your State
Signs of Eye Problems in Adults
Who's Who in Eye Care
Complete list of free fact sheets from Prevent Blindness America
For more information on eye problems in adults, call Prevent Blindness America at 1-800-331-2020, or contact us online.
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