Vision Loss Facts and Resources

Cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa are some of the most common eye diseases responsible for low vision. The links on this page provide insight to the issues and questions you may have regarding low vision and its impact on you or someone you know.

Vision Loss Facts

The number of people with some degree of vision loss is growing rapidly, especially among senior populations. Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and optic nerve disease are common among US residents age 65 years and older. AMD accounts for almost 45 percent of all cases of low vision in the US.

Eight percent of all Americans have diabetes. This can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a top cause of vision loss. The number of Americans with diabetes has grown to about 24 million people - an increase of about 3 million over two years - according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June 2008. The CDC estimates another 57 million people have pre-diabetes, which puts them at increased risk for the disease.

We provide the information on these pages to help people who are experiencing vision loss, along with their families, caregivers, and friends.

Want to learn more about maintaining the health of your eyes? Send away today for our free booklet, "A Guide to the Aging Eye."