Shortage of eye care professionals in Europe

July 1, 2010

The global population continues to grow, and as the population ages they may encounter health issues that need to be addressed.

OSNSuperSite.com reports that Europe is seeing the population get older, with many developing vision problems, but not having enough eye care professional.

Many age-related eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration are beginning to become more common, and as the numbers increase, they may not receive the care they need.

"Europe is witnessing a fast rising incidence of glaucoma, from 5 percent in 2000 to 10 percent to 11 percent in 2010 in people older than 75," Dr Julian Garcia-Feijoo, head of the glaucoma department at the San Carlos University Hospital in Madrid, told the news source.

Europe is witnessing a decrease in students pursuing eye health specialties while many eye care professionals are beginning to retire.

Preventative care may be the best course of action. If patients combine a healthy diet with exercise with quitting smoking and having routine eye exams, doctors may be able to offer treatment sooner to help prevent any condition from progressing.