At Peña Eye Institute, we believe that knowledge is power. While we offer advanced vision correction treatments for all kinds of eye conditions, giving patients information on privative care can be just as effective for preventing health problems. We want each patient who comes to our Harlingen, TX eye center to come away knowing something about their vision health that helps them down the road.
Dr. Raul Peña and his team would like to share a few statistics on vision and eye care that are quite telling. Unless noted otherwise, the numbers below come from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Refractive Error Statistics
It’s estimated that 34 million Americans age 40 or older experience nearsightedness (myopia). Around 14.2 million Americans experience farsightedness (hyperopia). Astigmatism is also a common refractive error, affecting around 1 in 3 Americans. Astigmatism usually accompanies nearsightedness or farsightedness rather than occurring on its own.
Numbers on Low Vision
Low vision refers to situations in which a person’s best corrected vision is still worse than 20/40. Approximately 2.9 million Americans age 40 or older suffer from low vision.
Numbers on Visual Impairment
Visual impairment refers to situations in which a person’s best corrected vision in their best eye is still worse than 20/40. Approximately 4.2 million Americans age 40 or older suffer from visual impairment.
Numbers on Blindness
Blindness refers to situations in which a person’s best corrected vision in their best eye is still worse than 20/200. Approximately 1.3 million Americans age 40 or older are blind.
Statistics on Corrective Lens
To address refractive error and other vision problems, many people reply on prescription lenses. More than 150 million Americans wear corrective eyewear in order to address their refractive error. Roughly 37 million Americans wear contact lenses for their refractive error.
Refractive Surgery Statistics
While glasses and contacts are both reliable options, more and more people have turned to laser vision correction over time. The Stein Eye Institute at UCLA estimates approximately 700,000 refractive surgery procedures performed each year. Around 95 percent of LASIK patients are satisfied by the results of their refractive surgery.
Cataract Statistics
Cataracts are a common issue as people get older. An estimated 24.4 million Americans age 40 or older have developed cataracts. What’s more, about half of all Americans age 75 or older will develop cataracts.
Glaucoma Statistics
Glaucoma must be screened for carefully to help prevent vision loss.Around 2.7 million Americans age 40 or older suffer from glaucoma. If you’re at risk for glaucoma, be sure to discuss these matters with your eye doctor.
Macular Degeneration Statistics
Age-related vision loss may also be liked to macular degeneration. The Bright Focus Foundation estimates that 11 million Americans suffer from some type of age-related macular degeneration. It is the most common cause of vision loss in advanced age.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Long-term struggles with diabetes can impact general wellness as well as eye health. The National Eye Institute estimates around 7.7 million Americans suffer from diabetic retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels of the eye and damage the reina. This number is expected to increase to 11.3 million by the year 2030.
Numbers on Eye Injuries
Approximately 2.4 million eye injuries are reported in the United States every year. Approximately 2,000 each day can be attributed to workplace injuries. An estimated 125,000 annual eye injuries take place at home. Up to 90 percent of these eye injuries could have been prevented by using basic eye protection, such as goggles or a face mask.
Contact Peña Eye Institute
For more information about the health of your eyes and your options for improved vision, be sure to contact and experienced eye doctor. We are here to help you achieve good eyesight. Our practice can also be reached by phone at (956) 264-1200.
