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Aging
Internet Information Notes
Low Vision and Aging
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Vision impairment is a common occurrence among school children
and adults of all ages. For many there are choices for correction
– eyeglasses, contact lens and laser surgery to compensate
or eliminate the most common conditions. It is estimated that
over 600,000 laser vision correction procedures were performed
in the United States in 1999 for myopia (near-sightedness), astigmatism
or hyperopia (farsightedness). Surgical replacement of the cornea
has long been an option for many older adults with cataracts.
The process of aging, however, also increases the risk of more
serious conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Approximately 1.8 million non-institutionalized elderly report
some difficulty with
basic activities such as bathing, dressing, and walking around
the house, in part because they are visually impaired. Visual
impairment increases the risk of falls and fractures, making it
more likely that an older person will be admitted to a hospital
or nursing home, be disabled, or die prematurely. Internet sites
here describe the prevalence of conditions among older adults,
offer information to the general consumer on early detection and
treatment, identify federal government programs of assistance,
link to non-governmental organizations that focus on vision, and
identify other resources of benefit to the visually impaired.
Download Note:
See Also:
Center for Communication and Consumer Services
U.S. Administration on Aging
Tel. 202-619-0724
FAX 202-357-3523
Internet: http://www.aoa.gov
Email [aoainfo@aoa.gov]
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Dept. of Health & Human Services
