Three out of 100 people over the age of 40 suffering from vision problems, particularly black people, are becoming increasingly susceptible to blindness as they age. A study estimated that in the year 2000, there were 937,000 Americans older than 40 who were blind. Additionally, 2.8 percent of Americans over the age of 40 were suffering from vision loss, leaving them unable to operate a vehicle or perform other similar tasks.
It was reported that black people over the age of 40 had a 3 percent higher chance than whites of going blind and the causes for blindness among black people was determined to be more preventable.
The study consisted of data compiled from a decade of research, which estimated that 3.6 percent of people over the age of 40 would be considered visually impaired and of that number, 1.6 million would be blind.
Macular degeneration, a deterioration of the retina that is complicated to treat, resulted in blindness among 54 percent of whites, while both cataracts and glaucoma, which are usually easily treated if caught early, resulted in vision loss among 60 percent of blacks. Treatment of cataracts, which are protein fibers in the lens that turn opaque, is surgical removal. Glaucoma, fluid buildup that frequently damages blood vessels and the optic nerve, can be treated with eye drops and surgery.
Experts said the racial differences between the causes of blindness could be related to the fact that on the whole, blacks go for eye care less than whites do. Some of the other factors experts cited were genetic differences such as blacks having greater tendencies to develop diabetes-related retinopathy.
Findings from the study pointed to the importance of early detection, treatment of vision problems and developing prevention strategies.
Yahoo! News April 12, 2004
The most common conditions leading to vision loss include:
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protect your eyesight as you age.
Dangerous fats such as vegetable fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, linoleic acid and processed foods have been shown to increase your risk of developing macular degeneration.
This means it is imperative to cut these unhealthy fats out of your diet.
Following a good nutrition plan and avoiding trans fats would be an excellent start.
Here are some of the key components of the nutrition plan to help keep your eyes strong well into the golden years:
Whenever someone relies on a surgical solution, there is always a high chance for permanent harm and damage. The key is to take the appropriate measures to keeping your vision strong before it reaches the point where surgery is the only alternative.
Sticking to these guidelines regardless of your ethnicity or genetic disposition will arm you against the risk of developing debilitating eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.