Serious eye diseases and conditions have an impact on American’s overall health. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Health of America infographic shows serious eye health, including glaucoma and cataracts, is more impactful in ages 46-64 and often coincide with increased risk of stroke and diabetes.
Taking good care of your eyes can help you maintain good overall health. About 5.6 million BCBS members had a serious vision or eye condition in 2016, including cataracts, eye injure, or glaucoma. 3 percent of members ages 18 to 44 had a serious vision or eye condition and 20 percent of members ages 45-64. Members with a serious vision or eye condition spend 2 times more annually on overall healthcare costs.
Poor eye health can affect you long-term. Members diagnosed with serious vision or eye conditions are 2 time as likely to visit the ER or have a hospital stay and are more likely to suffer from autoimmune disease, stroke, renal failure and diabetes. A serious vision or eye condition may lead to a loss of more than 2 years of healthy life.
* Source: BCBS Health Index 2016, only includes vision or eye conditions identified through medical claims.
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