Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment in a Population of Older AmericansThe Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study

Abstract

THE US POPULATION is aging: in the 1990 census, 12.6% of the population was 65 years old or older, and this proportion is expected to increase to 18% by 2020.^1,2 Accurate information on visual health status is needed to plan optimal health services for this growing segment of the population. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness increases with age. Some visual loss can be prevented, as in laser therapy for diabetic retinopathy, and in some eyes, vision can be restored, eg, by cataract removal.^3,4 Data on the prevalence and causes of vision loss are available for the US population from several studies^5-9 conducted during the 1980s. However, since that time there have been improvements in cataract surgical techniques and promotion of laser photocoagulation treatment for diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). In addition, the patterns of eye care use may have changed, stressing the need to reevaluate the magnitude and cause of vision-related problems.