"These statistics are very worrisome," said Dr. David Cockrell, optometrist and AOA Trustee. "We know that many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical. This is true beyond just eye care. Health issues of any kind are not things that Americans should ignore."
While the survey did not ask why respondents chose to make specific cutbacks in doctor visits, fear of losing eyesight is likely part of the answer. For the fourth year in a row, the AOA's American Eye-Q® survey showed that consumers worry most about losing their vision (43 percent), over their memory (32 percent) or even their ability to walk (12 percent).
"The concept of losing vision appears very concrete to people, which may be why people cut back on other doctor visits first," said Dr. Cockrell. "But doctors of optometry encourage individuals to consider eye and vision care as an integral part of their overall health, so cutting back on any aspect of health care is not a good idea."
Demographics
Ethnicity
Regardless of ethnicity, gender or geographic location, the recession appears to be affecting American's health care decisions. According to the 2009 Eye-Q® survey, when it comes to sticking to a regular health schedule during tough financial times, Hispanics are affected the most by the economy. Almost half (49 percent) indicated they are visiting doctors less often, compared with African Americans (36 percent) and Caucasians (33 percent).
The survey showed that 63 percent of Hispanics are limiting dentist visits, and 53 percent are cutting back on eye doctor appointments.
"Since Hispanics are at a greater risk for developing eye diseases such as glaucoma, it's important for them to see an eye doctor regularly," said Dr. Cockrell. "Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled to prevent or slow continued vision loss."
Gender
More women (38 percent) than men (32 percent) said they are limiting doctor visits. In terms of specific doctors, women (53 percent) are more inclined to cut back on seeing an eye doctor than men (51 percent), which is unfortunate since the survey also indicated more women (52 percent) wear glasses or contact lenses, than men (48 percent). Women also tend to be more frequent sufferers of dry eye.
The AOA recommends adults age 60 and under should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by an eye doctor. Adults over age 60 should have an eye exam annually, according to AOA recommendations.
Geography
Even though doctors of optometry are accessible in almost all parts of the country, almost two-thirds (63 percent) of survey respondents living in rural areas said they have cut visits to their eye doctor. Only 50 percent of urban and suburban respondents said they are changing their regular eye-care schedule.
Dr. Cockrell said that putting off doctor visits ultimately can be more expensive, and lead to additional health problems. "The longer patients go between doctor visits, the greater the opportunity for additional health problems that ultimately can be much more expensive than routine checkups and early-stage treatment. That is another reason that identifying health problems in the early stages is ideal."
