Another 23 percent will have signs of AMD by the time they turn 80 years of age. By the year 2050, there will be upwards of a million Americans 100 and over. Combine these facts and we have a vision loss epidemic, not only in the U.S. but also in industrialized countries across the world. As we increase lifespan, we must do more to increase health span. Yet, AMD is an invisible disease.
Awareness is extremely low.
The fact is, however, that AMD and other diseases that cause vision impairment in the elderly do cost money, primarily from increased need for nursing home care and assisted living. In addition, AMD has a disabling ripple effect in seniors. With vision loss, falls and fractures increase, exercise decreases, leaving the person at risk for diabetes, obesity and heart disease. The position I will present today is that changes in diet and other lifestyle habits should be a priority as we combat this disease and attempt to keep our health care costs under control. Numerous studies are under way to find a cure.