EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
Issue link: https://digital.eyeworld.org/i/474673
EW NEWS & OPINION 48 March 2015 by Michelle Dalton EyeWorld Contributing Writer Fear of blindness looms large most concern (68% and 73%, respec- tively), while loss of independence was a concern to 61% and 69%, respectively. A large majority of respondents strongly consider research to im- prove the prevention and treatment of vision disorders a priority (83% of African-Americans and non-His- panic whites, 80% of Asians and 79% of Hispanics). Research!America noted African-Americans are almost twice as likely to develop cataracts and 5 times more likely to develop glaucoma than non-Hispanic white Americans, which may account for the high priority placed on vision research. When told that the federal government spends on average $2.10 per person each year on such research, half of African-Americans (51%) and Hispanics (50%) said this is not enough, followed by non- Hispanic whites (47%) and Asian respondents (35%). About half of all groups believe non-governmental sectors—indus- try, patient groups, and philanthro- pies—should also increase funding for eye and vision research (57% of Hispanics, 51% of African-Amer- icans, 49% of Asians, and 47% of non-Hispanic whites). According to Research!America, the estimated cost to treat vision loss and blindness is $6,680 per person per year, with patients and their families typically responsible for more than half that cost. Perhaps even more daunting— by 2050, direct medical costs are expected to skyrocket 250% for people with vision loss or blindness, reaching $717 billion. Unfortunately, public percep- tion is slightly different, with about half the African-American and His- panic survey respondents believing costs will "increase slightly" or "in- crease significantly" by 2050. Closer to 60% of Asian and non-Hispanic whites believe costs will "increase slightly" or "increase significantly" by 2050. "Women are at a higher risk for vision loss and blindness," the group said in its Fact Sheet. "They make up approximately 60% of the visually impaired and tend to live longer with chronic diseases. This trend is expected to continue through 2050." Other findings The survey also queried respondents' knowledge about specific ocular conditions. More than 50% of all re- spondents in any ethnic group were aware of cataract and glaucoma, but only about a third knew about dia- betic retinopathy (DR) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The notable exception was non-Hispanic whites, where 41% and 59% were aware of DR or AMD, respectively. Of concern for eyecare profes- sionals is that between 22% and 35% of respondents across ethnic and racial lines were unaware of the disorders. Between 70% and 80% of respondents either somewhat or strongly agreed that exposure to excessive sunlight or ultraviolet radiation is associated with a greater risk of eye disease. Slightly more than half the respondents agreed that ethnic heritage is a risk factor for ocular diseases. More than half of most ethnic groups agreed that obesity is asso- ciated with a greater risk of ocular disease, with the notable exception of African-Americans. In that group, only 42% agreed obesity plays a role in ocular disease. Close to 60% of Hispanic and Asian respondents agreed that smoking is associated with greater risks for eye diseases, but only 48% of African-Americans and 54% of non-Hispanic whites felt smoking increased risks. Across ethic groups, anywhere from 24% (Asian) to 33% (African-American) of respondents were unsure if smoking was associ- ated with an increased risk of eye disease. EW According to a recent poll, Americans ranked losing vision among the worst things that could happen A mericans across racial and ethnic groups describe losing eyesight as poten- tially having the greatest impact on their day-to- day life—more so than other con- ditions, including loss of memory, hearing, and speech. Blindness ranked among the top 4 "worst things that could happen to you" for all respondents, along- side cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV/AIDS. More African-Americans cited blindness as their top fear. "This is the most rigorous study to date of the minority population and their attitudes toward vision and vision loss," said James Jorkasky, executive director of the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), in a release on the opinion poll. Last year, this study and its results became the basis of a press event in Washington, D.C., where eye and vision research community leaders weighed in on the topic of "The Public's Attitudes About the Health and Economic Impact of Vision Loss and Eye Disease." The national public opinion poll commissioned by Reasearch!Amer- ica and AEVR, and supported by Research to Prevent Blindness, explored various perspectives among racial and ethnic groups regarding eye and vision health. Sample sizes were as follows: African-American (n=417), Asian (n=301), Hispanic (n=401), and non-Hispanic white (n=925). The importance of sight Most groups said losing eyesight would have the greatest impact on their daily lives: 57% of African- American respondents, 38% of Hispanic respondents, 43% of Asian respondents, and 49% of non-Hispanic white respondents. The decreased quality of life worried all groups (with 59–73% of respondents saying that would be a concern), with African-Ameri- cans and Hispanics ranking it lower than concerns about loss of inde- pendence. Conversely, Asian and non-Hispanic whites considered the diminished quality of life to be of