What you need to know about vision health

Everyone's vision changes as they age, but some changes could indicate a more serious problem. Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma are two of the most common eye diseases in older Americans.

Blindness due to diabetes on the rise

Some 3.7 million diabetics went blind over the last 10 years due to retina damage, according to recent studies funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI). Approximately 7.7 million Americans are now affected by diabetic retinopathy, and the rate is predicted to climb to 11 million by 2030.

One Region celebrates first year of merger

Environmental activist Lee Botts, left, speaks with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels after receiving a Special Recognition Award at the One Region annual leadership luncheon at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville on Thursday.

Sold out luncheon marks One Region accomplishments

Dennis Rittenmeyer, executive director of One Region, begins the first annual Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville on Thursday.

Sold out luncheon marks One Region accomplishments

Dennis Rittenmeyer, executive director of One Region, begins the first annual Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville on Thursday.

Sold out luncheon marks One Region accomplishments

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky speaks during the One Region Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

ONEREGION - One Region, One Vision

Merrillville - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels gives his Report to Taxpayers during the One Region, One Vision annual Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Thursday, September 27, 2012.

Sold out luncheon marks One Region accomplishments

Times Media Co. Publisher Bill Masterson Jr. is featured on projection screen while speaking to the crowd at the One Region Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville on Thursday

One Region celebrates first year of merger

Thomas Katsahnias, former General Manager and COO at Inland Steel, shakes hands Thursday with U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky after receiving his One Region Lifetime Acheivement award during the One Region annual Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

ONEREGION - One Region, One Vision

Merrillville - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels speaks to the crowd during the One Region, One Vision annual Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Thursday, September 27, 2012.

ONEREGION - One Region, One Vision

Merrillville - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels speaks during the One Region, One Vision annual Leadership Luncheon at the Radisson at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Thursday, September 27, 2012.

Group discusses goal to reduce avoidable hospital re-admissions

Gary Olund, president and CEO of Northwest Indiana Community Action Corp., speaks Friday morning during a health care symposium in Hobart.

Group discusses goal to reduce avoidable hospital re-admissions

State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, sits in on a health care symposium Friday morning at Avalon Manor in Hobart. Brown spoke briefly about his work on Indiana's new smoking ban. About 50 health care administrators participated in the symposium, which focused on the region's aging population an…

Group discusses goal to reduce avoidable hospital re-admissions

About 50 health care administrators participated Friday in a health care symposium in Hobart.

Group discusses goal to reduce needless hospital re-admissions

Denise Dillard, vice president of government and external affairs with Methodist Hospitals, speaks during a health care symposium Friday morning at Avalon Manor ion Hobart.

One region one vision

Family Christian Center Pastor Steve Munsey, left, talks with Jay Williams, Executive Director of the Department of Labor's Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.

Former Youngstown mayor: Don't write off region

MERRILLVILLE | Family Christian Center Pastor Steve Munsey, left, talks Thursday with Jay Williams, executive director of the Department of Labor's Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers at the One Region, One Vision Leadership Luncheon at The Radisson at Star Plaza.

Former Youngstown mayor: Don't write off region

Jay Williams, executive director of the Department of Labor's Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers speaks Thursday at the One Region, One Vision Leadership Luncheon at The Radisson at Star Plaza.

Former Youngstown mayor: Don't write off region

Jay Williams, executive director of the Department of Labor's Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, left, chats Thursday with Under Secretary for the Department of Education Martha Kanter at the One Region, One Vision Leadership Luncheon at The Radisson at Star Plaza.

Former Youngstown mayor: Don't write off region

Jay Williams, executive director of the Department of Labor's Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers ,right, chats with Indiana State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, left, and award recipient Tamika Mallett on Thursday at the One Region, One Vision Leadership Luncheon at The Radis…