April 12, 2004
Kellogg sees rise in major eye disease through 2030
NEI projections will be felt in Southeastern Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI—Eye disease will affect many more Americans as the population increases in age in the coming years, according to a study released today by the National Eye Institute (NEI). The report, which will be published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, says that blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million individuals, a number that will rise to 5.5 million by 2020.
The Ann Arbor area and southeastern Michigan can expect a similar shift in the patient population, according to Paul R. Lichter, M.D., director of the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. "In the past decade, Kellogg ophthalmologists have seen a sharp increase in eye disease associated with aging. The trend will accelerate in the next 15 -20 years as the population we serve grows older," he says.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a case in point, says Dr. Lichter. The incidence of this disease has a direct correlation with age. It is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65.
While AMD does not generally cause total blindness, it destroys central vision needed for reading, driving, and many daily activities. In 1996 Kellogg ophthalmologists saw about 950 individuals with AMD; by FY 2004 that number had more than doubled.
Projections from the UM Health System and regional planners confirm that the regional older population is growing rapidly. “This group is most susceptible to AMD and other conditions that impair vision, says Dr. Lichter. Estimates prepared by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments suggest that by the year 2030 the number of individuals over the age of 65 will more than double in each of southeast Michigan's counties. The exception is Wayne County, which will still see a significant increase—69 per cent—in its over-65 group. The growth comes in part from the baby boomer population, born between 1946 and 1965, whose members will all have reached the age of 65 by 2030.
Other eye diseases such as glaucoma and, to some extent, diabetic retinopathy will increase along with the aging population. “The number of patients treated for these two diseases at the Kellogg Eye Center has increased by more than 60% over the last decade,” says Dr. Lichter, adding that the NEI study projects a similar increase nationally through 2020.
For diseases such as glaucoma, Dr. Lichter encourages regular checkups for the earliest possible detection. 𠇏or all diseases of aging, our doctors are providing the most advanced treatments available,” he says. “Meanwhile Kellogg scientists are working in their laboratories to understand more about AMD, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy so that their research discoveries will bring benefits directly to our patients.”
Detailed information on the NEI study is available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/eyedata/
Contact: Betsy Nisbet, 734.647.5586, bsnisbet@umich.edu.
