Retinal Disease Statistics: Numbers on Vision Loss
When it comes to eye diseases, retinal conditions need to be taken extra seriously. The chance of severe and permanent vision loss is high when the retina is affected. That’s why our Beverly Hills, CA eye care center is committed to offering the latest in advanced retina treatments.
We want to take a moment to consider some telling retinal condition statistics. This should give you an idea about the seriousness of retinal diseases and why regular visits with your eye doctor are essential for long-term eye health.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss, particularly for people of advanced age. It is often known as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. The condition involves the deterioration of the macula, the central portion of the retina.
According to numbers from the Bright Focus Foundation, 11 million Americans suffer from some form of age-related macular degeneration. Only 10 percent of AMD cases are wet AMD, yet 90 percent of all AMD cases the result in severe vision loss are people with wet AMD. The Macular Degeneration Partnership estimates that 200,000 new people are diagnosed with AMD each year.
Diabetic Retina Disease
Diabetes can adversely affect the health of your eyes. A side effect of the condition can result in damaged blood vessels in the retinas and irreversible vision loss.
The National Eye Institute has found that 7.7 million Americans suffer from diabetic retinopathy; the number is expected to jump to 11.3 million by the year 2030. Up to 45 percent of all people with diabetes suffer from some form of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common form of diabetic retinopathy, affecting an estimated 745,000 Americans according to the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology.
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
Retinal vein occlusion means that there is a blockage in the veins of the retina. This means blood transferred to the eyes by arteries cannot travel back to the heart via the veins. An RVO is sometimes referred to as an eye stroke.
Numbers compiled by Genentech estimate that 1.1 million Americans suffer from an eye stroke. It’s the second most common cause of vision loss related to a retinal vascular condition.
Retinal Tears and Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina comes loose from its position along the back of the eye. Tears are small holes in the retinal tissue. If not treated in a timely fashion, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.
A study in American Family Physician estimated that an average person has a 1 in 300 chance of experiencing retinal detachment in their lifetime. The condition is more likely to happen in just one eye; only 7 percent of retinal detachment cases occur in both eyes.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare, incurable genetic condition that negatively impacts a person’s vision. Treatments for the condition tend to involve slowing down the rate of vision loss. As an indication of the condition’s rareness, it’s been estimated that 1.5 million people around the world have retinitis pigmentosa.
Learn More About Treating Retinal Disease
For more information about retinal conditions and what can be done to prevent and manage these diseases, contact an experienced eye care specialist. The entire team at Pacific Retina Specialists is here to help you see clearly and experience excellent vision.