By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Most baby boomers aren’t aware that their vision could be severely damaged or they could lose their vision due to age-related eye diseases and conditions.

Only 18 percent of Americans know that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years of age and older, and less than a quarter of all Americans understand the effects of glaucoma, according to a recent survey by the American Optometric Association. For example, 89 percent of Americans incorrectly believe that glaucoma is preventable, when in fact it’s only treatable if caught early.

When left undetected and untreated, many age-related eye diseases can damage your vision permanently.

Age-related vision disorders baby boomers should be aware of include:

Age-related macular degeneration – an eye disease that causes loss of central vision. Activities like reading, driving, watching television, and recognizing faces require clear central vision.

Diabetic retinopathy – a condition occurring in people with diabetes, which causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. If left untreated, it can cause blindness.

Cataracts – a cloudy or opaque area in the clear lens of the eye. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. Cataracts can cause a decrease in contrast sensitivity, a dulling of colors, and increased sensitivity to glare.

Glaucoma – a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting in peripheral vision loss. People at higher risk of developing glaucoma include those with a family history of the disease, older adults, African-Americans, and Hispanics.

Dry eye – a condition where there is an insufficient amount of tears or a poor quality of tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears contribute to clear vision and the health of the front surface of the eye.

Retinal detachment – tearing or separation of the retina from the underlying tissue. This can be caused by trauma to the eye or head, health problems due to advanced diabetes, and inflammatory disorders of the eye.

The association’s survey showed that 92 percent of those responding understood that visiting an eye doctor on a regular basis for an eye exam can help reduce the risk of developing age-related vision problems. However, the respondents were less aware that avoiding smoking – 40 percent – and eating a low-fat, low-salt diet – 30 percent – can also reduce age-related vision problems.

Adding certain nutrients to your diet every day – either through foods or supplements – can help preserve vision and prevent age-related eye diseases. The association recommends the following eye-healthy nutrients and foods:

Lutein and zeaxanthin: Colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines.

Essential fatty acids: Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, or herring; whole-grain foods; chicken and eggs.

Vitamin C: Fruits and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes.

Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, such as safflower or corn oil; almonds and pecans; sweet potatoes and sunflower seeds.

Zinc: Extra-lean red meat, poultry, liver.

In addition to a healthy diet, regular eye examinations are important in midlife when more Americans develop age-related conditions and begin taking medications more frequently. Mark Wilkinson, O.D., chair of the association’s Vision Rehabilitation Section, said:

Some common warning signs of age-related vision problems include fluctuating vision, seeing floaters or flashes of light, loss of side vision. However, often patients with eye diseases do not have recognizable symptoms until the conditions are quite advanced, so regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for baby boomers…

The association recommends that adults over age 60 have an eye examination once a year or more frequently if a doctor recommends it.

To find an optometrist, also called a doctor of optometry or O.D., in your area, visit the Web site of the American Optometric Association.

An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry degree and is licensed to practice optometry. The practice of optometry involves examining the eyes to prescribe and dispense corrective lenses, screen vision to detect certain eye abnormalities, and prescribe medications for certain eye diseases.

An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to provide a range of eye care services, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 – the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the screening, an ophthalmologist will determine a schedule for follow-up exams.

For individuals at any age with symptoms of or at risk for eye disease, such as those with a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, the academy recommends that they see their ophthalmologist to determine how frequently their eyes should be examined.

To find an ophthalmologist in your area, visit the Web site of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

A survey by the academy also found that most Americans are unaware of the risks associated with age-related eye disease, despite a projected 65 percent spike in those conditions by the year 2020.

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