What is the impact of not treating vision loss?
Vision loss can result in loss of employment or underemployment. It also increases the risk of dangerous and costly injuries such as hip fractures due to falls. People affected by vision loss can experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, admission into long-term care, and a greater need for home care and caregiver services.
Most eye conditions progress over time. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect disease while it is most treatable and preserve vision.
How can ophthalmologists help?
An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of all eye diseases. As leaders of the eye care team, they collaborate with other physicians, optometrists, and opticians to provide the best possible care for people with all types of eye disease.
Looking at the economy
People with good vision need less informal care and have more employment opportunities. From a societal perspective, there is a huge incentive to treat vision loss and boost productivity.
While treating vision loss costs money up front, there is a positive return on investment from averted direct and indirect costs.
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