Today, 6.5 million Americans over age 65 have a severe visual impairment, according to the Longitudinal Prevalence of Major Eye Diseases 2003 study. Experts predict that by 2030, rates of severe vision loss will double along with the country’s aging population (Prevent Blindness America’s Vision Problems in the U.S., 2002).
The first wave of the 78 million baby boom generation turns 65 in 2011, jumpstarting a two-decade period of growth in America’s 65 and older population (Administration on Aging). By 2030, the number of people over the age of 65 will double to 71.5 million, or 20 percent of the population.
The risk of low vision and blindness increases significantly with age, particularly in those over age 65 (2004 National Eye Institute study).
Additional facts here.
