Researchers predict greater need for low vision services

The exponential growth in the prevalence of low vision with age reflects the increased risk of vision loss as a result of age-related eye disease each year, according to researchers utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The 6,016 survey participants ranged from younger than 18 years to older than 45 years.

A total of 1,714 were younger than 18 years, 2,358 were 18 to 44 years old, and 1,944 were 45 years or older. Females accounted for 52% of the participants.

In older U.S. adults (at least 45 years old) in 2017, the prevalence of low vision and blindness is estimated to be 3,894,406, with a best corrected visual acuity less than 20/40; 1,483,703 individuals with a BCVA less than 20/60; and 1,082,790 individuals with a BCVA of

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