251394 Vision and Aging

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: 10:30 AM

Cynthia Stuen, DSW , The Sol and Lillian Goldman Building, Lighthouse International, New York, NY
  
     
Vision loss among persons age 75 and over is self-reported at 26% in a U.S. population based survey. This presentation addresses vision changes that normally occur for older adults and those that are due to common age-related eye disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataract and the magnitude of the problem. There are many strategies available to help persons with the normal age-related vision changes and those with uncorrectable vision impairment remain independent in function and prevent “excess disability.” Simulation of the various eye disorders to enhance awareness, identification of screening tools for vision loss and when to refer for low vision and other vision rehabilitation clinical services will be presented. Many of the high tech solutions now available can be advantageous to those with the normal vision changes in later life to maximize independence in addition to those with impaired vision.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related education
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the importance of eye health promotion and vision loss prevention in achieving healthy aging.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Senior Vice President, Policy and Evaluation at Lighthouse International. Oversees the Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute, the Center for Education and advocates for policy at the national, state and local levels while also maintaining involvement in international efforts to preserve sight and prevent excess disability resulting from vision impairment.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Integrating Vision Health into Healthy Aging: a joint session with Aging & Public Health Section
See more of: Vision Care Section