• Tens of thousands of people effected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration, ARMD, are using CCTVs to read and write with.  Even if they are legally blind with a visual acuity of 20/200 they can continue to read and write with a Reliant CCTV. It is important for people with ARMD to understand that they are not alone. Because they suffer from low vision they may become isolated and unaware that with a Reliant CCTV they can maintain their independence just like all the others who use CCTVs do.

• This section of our website provides an overview of age–related vision loss and ARMD. If you follow each link you can get greater detail about that specific topic and its references.

• From the CSMD UCSB.

“Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of new blindness in adults over the age of 60 in this country. The disease also causes less severe but significant reductions in the ability to see and perform everyday tasks. A study funded by the federal government's National Eye Institute showed that Macular Degeneration occurs in approximately one out of five people age 65 to 74. One of three people over age 75 in this country will suffer some visual impairment due to Macular Degeneration.”

• NIH 1999

See Well for Life, Get Your Eyes Examined Regularly

Age-Related Eye Disease Doesn't Have to Steal Your Sight

By Carla Garnett

“If there's one disability associated with getting older that cannot be overlooked, then the eyes have it. It's called age related eye disease (ARED). According to an expert at the National Eye Institute (NEI), four major AREDs — glaucoma, cataract, age related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — can creep up silently during your senior years, threatening your vision. People ages 65 and older are at greater risk for these diseases”, said Dr. Robert Nussenblatt, scientific director of NEI, a part of the National Institutes of Health. However, careful monitoring of your eye health and regular eye examinations can help you see well into old age. "As we get older in this society," he said in a lecture at NIH, "we tend to value our independence more. We remain vibrant and active and, in doing so, perhaps our sense of sight becomes even more important."

“The United States will spend between $20 million and $22 million dollars directly on eye problems, and almost an equal amount on indirect costs associated with delivering care to people with eye problems, he noted. Approximately 47,000 Americans becomes blind every year.”

"Essentially," he added, "that means that one American becomes blind, or has severe vision loss, every 11 minutes." However, you can help preserve your eyesight by being aware of some common age related eye diseases and learning how to recognize their often-subtle symptoms.”

• 17 Percent Reported Using A Magnifier CDC 1999 Report

“Vision Impairments"

Vision impairment, which is defined as blindness in one eye, blindness in both eyes, or any other trouble seeing, was reported by 18.1% of adults aged greater than or equal to 70 years, representing approximately 3.6 million persons (Table 1) (10). Men were less likely than women to report vision impairments, and adults in the northeast reported a lower frequency of vision impairments than other respondents. Blindness in both eyes was reported by 1.7% of adults aged greater than or equal to 70 years, and an additional 4.4% reported blindness in one eye (Table 2). Although all potential causes of vision impairments were not reported, 24.5% of older adults reported having a cataract, and 7.9% reported having glaucoma. Approximately 91.5% of respondents reported wearing glasses, 17.0% reported using a magnifier, and 15.1% reported having a lens implant to treat a cataract.”

• Life Expectancy at Age 65: 17.8 years  

CDC 1998 National Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 48, No. 11

“It is important to recognize that seniors 65 years old who are effected by ARMD may live on average another 17.8 years.” When they are able to continue to read and write because they are using a Reliant CCTV these years will be significantly more satisfying and fulfilling.

• 2000 US Census Basic Facts

“United States total population: 281,421,906”

More facts on Macular Degeneration

Since in the year 2003 there will be 20% of the total USA population that are 65 years of age or older. Then that means 56,284,381 people will be 65 years of age or older in 2003.  Also since there are 20% of the 56,284,381 people that are 65 years old who have age related macular degeneration then that means there are 11,256,876 people with age related macular degeneration.

There are 200,000 new cases of age related macular degeneration every year.

The 45 to 65 year old population is growing two times faster than the overall population

One person in America turns 50 years old every 7.5 seconds over the next 10 years.

By the year 2003 one in five Americans will be 65 years old.

There are 44 million Americans who suffer from dry eyes.

The older we get the less reactive our pupils are to changes in light
 

CDC Fast Stats On Diabetes

Number of Americans With Diabetes: 7 million (1996)

Source: Vital and Health Statistics Series 10, No. 200

People who have diabetes may develop an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause low vision and blindness.  However thousands of persons effected with diabetic retinopathy are more independent today than they would be otherwise because they use CCTVs for reading and writing.