The incidences of blindness are increasing, according to the Health Household-Interview Survey. 3.3 million cases of blindness were reported in 2004, as opposed to the 960,000 reported in 1957 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

The number of cases of blindness is rapidly climbing. 1.8 million cases of blindness are Age-Related Macular Degeneration alone. 7.3 million people are at risk of developing it, despite attempts made in the past half century to treat these patients and prevent new ones.