Jun 14 2011
Many Adults Skip Annual Eye Exams, CDC Says
Image via www.nlm.nih.gov
Are you amongst the growing number of Americans who is skipping regular visits to the eye doctor due to the cost of care?
A survey by the Center for Disease Control of over 11,5000 adults over 40 shows that nearly 40% skipped opportunities for regular eye care due to lack of money or insurance coverage. After age 65, only 23.3% blame lack of insurance for missing their annual eye exams.
Researchers were particularly concerned by the nearly 44% of senior citizens who said they had no need to visit an eye doctor. “The large proportion of persons aged 65 and over reporting no need as their main reason for not seeking care is of concern because this population has the highest prevalence of visual impairment,” the CDC report says. “A possible reason for this is that older adults might regard impairment as a normal part of aging.” It appears that other studies have indicated many are unaware of their eye health needs because primary care physicians pay little attention to visual health.
The researchers note that previous studies have indicated that many people often aren’t aware they have eye health needs because of the lack of attention given to the subject by primary care providers.
SOURCE: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 20, 2011 via http://www.medicinenet.com
