eBook Tackles the Human and Economic Costs of Falls
Clear Vision: A Key to Fall Prevention in Seniors
As our senior population continues to increase, maintaining member health and preventing accidents become paramount. Among the many health concerns of seniors, falls are one of the most significant and often underestimated threats. Falls can lead to severe injuries, reduced mobility, a decline in overall well-being, and even death.
One of the easiest and most cost-effective fall prevention strategies is to ensure members have clear vision.
Read the eBook for strategies you can implement today.
Some Not-So-Fun Facts About Falls
• Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.1
• About $50 billion is spent annually on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries, and $754 million is spent on costs related to fatal falls.2
• Each year, one in four Americans aged 65 and older experiences a fall, and impaired vision more than doubles this risk.3
• More than 12 million Americans aged 40 years and older experience vision impairment, and with an aging population, this number is expected to double by 2050.4
Eye Care Is Health Care
Eye care is health care. This has been VSP’s mantra for years. Why? Because a WellVision Exam® from a VSP network doctor can help detect early signs of 273 chronic health and eye issues, including cataracts, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, high cholesterol, hypertension, and macular degeneration. Eye conditions like these significantly affect vision, but timely intervention and appropriate treatment can minimize the risk of falls associated with impaired vision. The American Optometric Association recommends yearly eye exams for individuals over the age of 65.
Eye Exams Are Fundamental
Clear vision plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial awareness, both of which are essential for preventing falls. Our eyes provide vital information to our brains about our surroundings, allowing us to perceive depth, judge distances, and detect potential hazards. At the most basic level, an eye exam not only helps ensure members have a current prescription and proper eyewear, but it also provides members with an opportunity to receive recommendations on visual exercises, appropriate lighting, dietary considerations, and more.
By recognizing the significance of clear vision and incorporating it into comprehensive fall-prevention strategies, preventable injuries can be avoided, member well-being and independence are protected, and medical costs are contained or reduced.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how VSP and iCare Health Solutions can help your members see clearly.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5840836/
2. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data/fall-cost.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/vision-loss-falls.html
4. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/vision-loss-falls.html