Many consumers continue to struggle with financial challenges, some of which could affect their health, according to a survey released by the American Optometric Association.
According to the AOA, 36 percent of Americans say they are limiting doctor visits because of the recession.
When asked which doctors they are visiting less, 63 percent indicated their dentist, while 59 percent indicated their primary care physician and 52 percent cited their eye doctor. Only 8 percent said they are sticking to their regular health schedule.
"These statistics are very worrisome," said David Cockrell, optometrist and AOA Trustee. "We know that many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical. This is true beyond just eye care. Health issues of any kind are not things that Americans should ignore."
For the fourth year in a row, the AOA's American Eye-Q survey showed that consumers worry most about losing their vision (43 percent), over their memory (32 percent) or even their ability to walk (12 percent). In terms of gender, more women (38 percent) than men (32 percent) said they are limiting doctor visits.
According to the survey, when it comes to sticking to a regular health schedule during tough financial times, Hispanics are affected the most by the economy. Almost half (49 percent) indicated they are visiting doctors less often, compared with African Americans (36 percent) and Caucasians (33 percent).
"The longer patients go between doctor visits, the greater the opportunity for additional health problems that ultimately can be much more expensive than routine checkups and early-stage treatment,” said Cockrell. “That is another reason that identifying health problems in the early stages is ideal."