The American Optometric Association (AOA) has released the results of its third annual American Eye-Q® survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of eye and visual health. Survey results reveal Americans aren’t paying enough attention to their eyesight.
Of the 1,001 survey participants, 81% wear contact lenses, eyeglasses or both. However, 26% of the responders hadn’t visited an eye doctor or eye care specialist within the past two years.
The AOA points out that early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important to maintain good vision and eye health, as many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms.
It’s not only vision problems that can be diagnosed during eye exams: optometrists can also detect signs of diabetes, hypertension, brain tumors, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and multiple sclerosis.
“Every adult should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, but it’s even more important for people who already use corrective lenses,” said Dr. James Kirchner, optometrist and AOA’s Eye Health Expert. “Too often we see people who have put off eye exams because they assume they just need a different lens prescription, when they really have a more serious problem. With eye diseases and disorders, as with most health issues, early detection and treatment are often the keys to avoiding permanent problems.”
Regular comprehensive eye exams are especially important later in life, when more people develop chronic conditions and begin taking medications more frequently. Individuals with diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), or people taking medications that have eye-related side effects are at greater risk for developing vision problems.
The AOA recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60.
Read more about maintaining healthy vision at the Natural Eye Care website , and learn about a new CD providing information on natural approaches for 29 of the most common eye conditions
SOURCE: American Eye-Q® Survey Indicates Strong Need to Educate Consumers About Eye Health, SURVEY, American Optometric Association, Oct. 9, 2008, http://www.aoa.org/x11023.xml