More than half of all Americans will have some form of eye disease as they get older – one out of three people by age 65, and one of two by age 80.

And yet, a recent survey found that the majority of Americans do not think they are at risk for developing eye disease and do not know the risk factors associated with the diseases.

Find out more about your own risk of developing eye disease, and the risks that could be faced by your family. 

• A family history of eye disease is one of the most common risks factors. Yet Americans with a family history of eye disease are not more likely to get screened regularly and do not have a greater knowledge of the risks. 
• Ethnicity is another important risk factor for eye disease, yet groups at high risk for glaucoma, such as African Americans, Hispanics and Asians, are not aware of their risk, according to the survey.  
• And while age is clearly a risk factor for eye disease, the survey found that a third of Americans 65 and older do not get annual eye exams.

Know Your Risks, Save Your Sight.

Last reviewed and updated in February 2009,
by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.