See Into the Future

Our eyesight is something we all treasure. It’s hard to imagine life without being able to see the world around us. Like so many other health issues, the majority of vision problems rise exponentially as we age. By age 75, a surprising one in four Canadians has developed irreversible vision loss, and the majority of blindness is caused by age-related conditions like macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.

“The majority of the most common causes of serious vision loss occur later in life, yet 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or treated.” – Nathan Stolch, Doctor of Optometry, Ottawa, ON

The financial toll of visual impairment is staggering: a 2009 study by CNIB(the Canadian National Institute for the Blind) found that the annual cost of vision loss in Canada is $15.9 billion, and the projected annual cost by 2032 is $30.3 billion. The human cost – the impact on quality of life – is also significant: those with visual impairment experience high unemployment, social isolation, poverty and emotional distress, and require greater use of health and social services.

“CNIB was there to assist my mother so she could live independently with AMD. My sister and I have now been diagnosed, and I know CNIB will be there for me.” – Gary Foster, Calgary, AB

Most vision loss is caused by five treatable conditions:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Refractive error

Early detection is key to treating and managing these conditions to prevent vision loss, so encourage your aging family members to have regular eye exams by a doctor of optometry – and be sure to book one for yourself. To find a doctor near you, visit doctorsofoptometry.ca.

Did You Know? Vision loss has the highest direct health care costs of any disease, costing Canadians more than diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease.
For Those Experiencing Vision Loss

CNIB can provide support every step of the way. Dedicated specialists work with people of all ages in their homes, communities or local CNIB offices. They provide:

• Emotional support and personalized rehabilitation services in everyday skills
• Counseling services and recreation programs

Help for those who experience vision loss to connect with others who understand its impact on everyday life.

For more information please call us at 604.553.3900 or visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com.

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