Research News

Vision loss 'major health concern' for Albertans: poll

December 2006

Nearly seven out of ten Albertans aged 40 and older rate vision loss as a main health concern, closely behind heart disease and cancer, according to a recent survey.

The survey, conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of CNIB in Alberta, reveals that virtually all Albertans aged 40 and older (94 per cent) believe vision health should be a priority in Alberta and list it as the third greatest cause for concern when it comes to health.

Although vision loss is often preventable or treatable, many Canadians are still losing their vision unnecessarily and struggling with vision loss alone due to a lack of funding for treatments, rehabilitation services and eye exams for individuals between age 55 and 65.

Province urged to cover rehab costs

The vast majority of Albertans aged 40 and older (88 per cent) believe the province should cover vision rehabilitation costs, considering the high demands that will be placed on the health-care system as the population ages.

'CNIB is the sole provider of comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs and services in Alberta; however, only 18 per cent of our $6.6 million budget for vision rehabilitation comes from the provincial government,' says Bill McKeown, Vice-President, Western Canada, CNIB. 'We urge the Alberta Government to recognize vision rehabilitation as an essential health service and provide adequate funding to meet the growing demand.'

Vision loss on rise as Canada ages

One in nine Canadians over age 65 develops irreversible vision loss and this number is on the rise, largely due to an aging population. In fact, that number increases to one in four in Canadians over 80. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50 in Canada. It is estimated that approximately 2.1 million Canadians are affected by AMD, a number expected to triple within the next 25 years.

Risks not widely known

Although four out of five Albertans aged 40 and older are confident they can recognize symptoms of vision problems before losing significant vision, this is generally not the case, particularly for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. CNIB's experience shows the majority of the population is not able to recognize risk factors and early symptoms of vision loss. For example, symptoms of age-related macular degeneration can vary from person to person and can be very subtle in the disease's early stages.

Early detection is key

This false sense of security means people should be encouraged to visit their eye care professional for regular preventive exams, especially at the first sign of change in vision. Early detection might make the difference between saving or losing sight.

'Vision loss must be recognized as a top health care priority. Progressive treatments should be readily available and affordable. Regular eye exams, which are essential for prevention of vision loss, should be reinsured by the government, particularly for people 55 years old and older who are entering their prime vision loss years,' adds Mr. McKeown.

Hidden costs of vision loss

The estimated annual cost of vision loss in Canada is $1 billion; however, soaring associated medical, rehabilitation and social costs will have a dramatic impact on the Canadian economy if more is not done to address vision loss. For example, treating people with AMD to prevent further vision loss alone would save $13 million every five years.

There are also many 'hidden' costs. Among people with vision loss, admission to nursing homes is three years earlier, number of falls is twice as high, incidence of depression is three times as high, occurrence of hip fracture is four times as high and the number of deaths is twice as high - compared to the general population of the same age. Improvements in vision rehabilitation services would reduce these numbers.

Medications for treating vision loss can also be costly. Though a pharmaceutical treatment may be proven effective in clinical trials and approved by Health Canada, it does not necessarily mean provincial health care programs will cover it.

Beyond the financial costs, vision loss may significantly reduce independence, quality and length of life, and adversely affect healthy aging. This survey shows that the importance of treating vision health as a priority in Alberta, and across Canada.