wdlove
Apr 13, 2004, 08:25 PM
As the baby boomers age, the numbers of people suffering vision loss will be staggering.
"African-Americans have much higher rate of glaucoma, and it occurs at younger age. So, in terms of screening, it's important for African-Americans to be seen at age 40," Miller said.
By the year 2020, it's estimated that:
Almost 3 million people will have age related macular degeneration.
Even more will suffer glaucoma.
The number of people with diabetic retinopathy will almost double to more than 7 million.
Thirty million people will have cataracts -- a 50 percent jump from today.
The hope is state and local agencies will use the new numbers to devise a future for programs that emphasize early treatment and detection.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/2997549/detail.html?treets=bos&tml=bos_health&ts=T&tmi=bos_health_1_12150104132004
"African-Americans have much higher rate of glaucoma, and it occurs at younger age. So, in terms of screening, it's important for African-Americans to be seen at age 40," Miller said.
By the year 2020, it's estimated that:
Almost 3 million people will have age related macular degeneration.
Even more will suffer glaucoma.
The number of people with diabetic retinopathy will almost double to more than 7 million.
Thirty million people will have cataracts -- a 50 percent jump from today.
The hope is state and local agencies will use the new numbers to devise a future for programs that emphasize early treatment and detection.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/2997549/detail.html?treets=bos&tml=bos_health&ts=T&tmi=bos_health_1_12150104132004
