Eye disease, a major public health
problem in the United States, causes significant suffering,
disability, loss of productivity, and diminished quality of
life for millions of people.
The National Eye Institute (NEI),
one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health,
is addressing this public health problem through programs
of biomedical research, disease prevention, and health promotion.
In 1991, NEI established the National Eye Health Education
Program (NEHEP), which it coordinates in partnership with
a variety of public and private organizations that conduct
eye health education programs. The focus of the NEHEP is on
public and professional education programs that encourage
early detection and timely treatment of glaucoma and
diabetic eye disease and the appropriate treatment
for low vision.
It is estimated that almost three
million Americans have glaucoma, half of whom are unaware
that they have the disease. Glaucoma is a leading cause of
blindness in everyone over age 60 and Blacks over age 40.
Although glaucoma can often be controlled if it is diagnosed
early, in many people the disease goes untreated, leading
to visual impairment or blindness. The Glaucoma Public Education
Program consists of a Glaucoma Community Education Kit that
community agencies can use to conduct glaucoma awareness activities
and comprehensive public service campaigns emphasizing early
detection.
Diabetic eye disease is a term
for the visual complications that result from diabetes. These
include cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, a leading
cause of blindness in adults. Many people who could benefit
from laser treatment for their disease do not receive it,
highlighting the importance of education. The NEHEP has developed
the Educating People with Diabetes Kit for health professionals
and Ojo con su visión: Si tienes diabetes, lea esta
historia. (Watch Out for Your Vision: If you have diabetes,
read this story), a Spanish-language booklet, designed to
educate Hispanics with diabetes about the ocular complications
of the disease.
Low vision is a visual impairment,
not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine,
or surgery, that interferes with activities of daily life.
Affecting nearly one in 20 Americans, or about 14 million
people, low vision affects one's ability to cook, read, drive,
and socialize. People at higher risk include those over age
65 and Blacks and Hispanics ages 45 and older. The Low Vision
Education Program is designed to increase awareness that hope
and help are available to people with low vision and their
families and friends. Among the program's features are an
educational booklet available in English and Spanish (What
you should know about low vision/Ojo con su visión:
Sepa qué hacer si tiene baja visión), public
service campaigns, and a low vision exhibit that will travel
to shopping centers across the country.
For more information on the National
Eye Health Education Program, call the NEI Information Office
at (301) 496-5248.
