Gr8 Eye Movement Reveals Caregiver Misconceptions

The Gr8 Eye Movement, an awareness campaign led by Prevent Blindness and Regeneron, is focusing on the needs of caregivers for older adults at risk of serious retinal conditions. As the campaign progresses this fall, it continues its mission to improve eye health awareness and support caregivers in identifying preventable retinal diseases.

Raising Awareness for Retinal Conditions

Launched last year, the Gr8 Eye Movement aims to prioritize eye health, particularly by raising awareness of severe retinal diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). To encourage proactive eye health management, the campaign promotes checking eye health on the 8th of every month.

Expanding Focus During National Family Caregivers Month

As November marks National Family Caregivers Month, the Gr8 Eye Movement is amplifying its focus on the crucial role caregivers play in managing the eye health of aging loved ones. The campaign is offering resources and education to support caregivers in recognizing and addressing retinal conditions that could lead to severe vision loss.

Survey Data Unveils Misconceptions and Gaps in Caregiver Knowledge

A national survey conducted by Wakefield Research reveals significant gaps in caregivers’ understanding of retinal diseases. The survey gathered responses from 667 adults aged 55+ at risk for retinal conditions and 333 caregivers aged 18-54. Key findings indicate that:

• Nearly 80% of caregivers mistakenly believe that vision loss is an inevitable part of aging.

• Fewer than 30% of caregivers are aware of both wAMD and diabetic retinal diseases, DME and DR.

According to Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness, this widespread misperception can cause caregivers to overlook treatable retinal conditions. "It’s vital to educate the public and for those at risk and their caregivers to prioritize eye health," Todd emphasized.

Addressing the Challenges of Caring for Loved Ones with Vision Loss

The survey data also show that 75% of caregivers find it challenging to care for someone experiencing significant vision loss, highlighting the emotional and practical burden retinal diseases place on both patients and their caregivers. Kevin Clark, Vice President of the Ophthalmology Commercial Business Unit at Regeneron, stressed the importance of educational campaigns like the Gr8 Eye Movement to close knowledge gaps and keep caregivers engaged in monitoring eye health.

Empowering Caregivers to Protect Eye Health

Clark noted, “During National Family Caregivers Month and beyond, we aim to empower caregivers with the knowledge they need to spot the early signs of serious retinal diseases and support them in caring for their loved ones’ vision.”

The survey conducted by Wakefield Research collected findings from adults aged 55+ who are at risk for retinal diseases and their caregivers, from May through June 2023. This initiative aims to shed light on the challenges faced by caregivers and provide them with the tools needed to prioritize eye health and prevent vision loss among at-risk individuals.

Reference:

Common Misperceptions Among Caregivers of Aging Adults Emphasizes Lack of Awareness of Retinal Diseases - Prevent Blindness. Prevent Blindness. Published October 28, 2024. Accessed October 29, 2024.