Age-related eye diseases in the United States, 2002 and 2008

Age-related eye diseases (ED) are leading causes of visual impairment. The average lifetime cost for one person with visual impairment is estimated to be about $601,000 (in 2003 dollars). In 2002 and 2008 the National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative household survey, included a special vision supplement. This supplement was used to estimate prevalence of the selected ED by demographic characteristics and diagnosed diabetes. Data were analyzed using SUDAAN software to account for a complex survey design.

In 2002 among US adults 18 years and older, the estimated prevalence rates for selected ED were: cataract - 8.6%, glaucoma - 2.0%, macular degeneration - 1.1%, and diabetic retinopathy – 0.7%. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among persons with diabetes was 9.9%. About 30.1% of persons with cataract, 33.1% of persons with glaucoma, 50.4% of persons with macular degeneration, and 52.1% of persons with diabetic retinopathy reported having impaired vision. The prevalence of ED increased significantly with increasing age, particularly in people over age 65. Age-adjusted prevalence of ED was higher among women, adults with diabetes, adults with low income, and adults with less than a high school education than their respective counterparts.

The 2008 data will be available by fall 2009 and will provide the most recent national data that will allow obtaining the new prevalence estimates and monitoring data trends.