Vision Loss on the Rise in American Adults
 (Washington, Reuters Health, 3/20/02)

An analysis conducted jointly by the National Eye Institute, Prevent Blindness America & the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins found an increasing incidence of visual impairment and blindness among Americans over age 40. The 4 main causes of blindness in this group are diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Other studies have shown how people can protect their sight. Diabetics, for instance, can reduce the risk of developing retinopathy, a condition affecting the blood vessels to the retina, by exercising and controlling their blood sugar. Victims of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may slow the progression of that condition by taking zinc, Vitamins C & E and beta-carotene.