[Visual impairment -- implications on health, costs and predictions for the future]

Vision impairment in the elderly is significantly related to increased morbidity as well as mortality rates. Recent studies suggest the true costs associated with visual impairment and blindness to be much higher than reported previously. Without successful interventions the number of visually impaired or blind people world-wide will double within the next 20 years. The lack of a significant world-wide reduction in avoidable visual impairment and blindness would have substantial social as well as economical consequences. In contrast, three-quarters of all visual impairments are avoidable and therefore unnecessary. In summary, vision Impairment deserves a higher degree of attention by the public as well as from governments.