Vision-risk Rests in Eye of the Beholder
Dr. David J. Demko, gerontologist
AgeVenture News Service
The most annoying mid-life problem is vision decline.
Those who are nearsighted, long for the bygone days when squinting and facial contortions
were not required to see 20 feet in front of you. On the other hand, the farsighted wish
for longer arms that can hold the newspaper a favorable distance in order to read the
headlines. An obvious question is "What's worse, nearsightedness or farsightedness?"
Unfortunately, it's a tie. Both types of refraction errors are creating more than vision
problems for aging boomers and retirees, especially those who are Caucasian.
Read on and see why.
Nearsightedness in Caucasians is associated with an increased prevalence of glaucoma. Farsightedness, on the other hand, appears to be associated with a five-year risk of ocular hypertension. These are the findings of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), A.K.A the Eye M.D. Association.
In the AAO study, 5,000 subjects aged 43 to 84, received assessments of nearsightedness and
farsightedness. The subjects were also assessed for intraocular (inner eye) pressure and
glaucoma. In addition, all subjects were given a five-year follow-up to measure intraocular
pressure and ocular hypertension.
Previous studies have shown the association between nearsightedness and glaucoma.
However, this is the first time an association between farsightedness and ocular hypertension
has been found.
The study found farsighted
individuals were 40 percent more likely to have incident ocular hypertension than those
without refractive error.
Incident ocular hypertension is high intraocular pressure with no apparent damage to the
optic nerve and visual field defects that characterize glaucoma. Nearsighted
subjects were also found to be 60 percent more likely to have glaucoma than those without
near or far sightedness.
The study's authors state they have "no adequate explanation" for the association between
farsightedness and ocular hypertension. They also point out
they have previously reported an association between farsightedness and two types of
cataract. The researchers believe that further research is needed in order to explain
the associations identified in this study.
Interesting study. But, what does it mean to you? Academy spokesperson Andrew Iwach, M.D.,
emphasizes the importance of both nearsighted and farsighted people getting an eye exam
by an Eye M.D. An eye exam for glasses or contacts is not sufficient. People need to get
comprehensive, dilated eye exams so their Eye M.D.s can determine if they are at risk for
glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Pay attention. This is serious. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in America,
affecting more than 2 million people. Many people with glaucoma do not experience any symptoms
until it's too late and vision is lost forever. Fortunately, glaucoma is treatable if detected
early. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone, and get a checkup.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest association of eye physicians and
surgeons with more than 27,000 members worldwide. For more information on eye
health care, visit the Academy's partner Web site on the Internet at www.medem.com/eyemd
To find an Eye M.D. in your area, visit the Academy's Web site at www.aao.org
Image credit: American Academy of Ophthalmology, San Francisco, California.
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Dr. Demko reports on lifestyle issues and trends in Aging America. Submit comments to:
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