Visual impairment among adults aged ≥40 years — New Mexico, 2008

Background: During 2000, approximately 3.4 million U.S. residents aged ≥40 years were blind or visually impaired; this number is predicted to double by 2030. Timely detection and treatment of ocular diseases can reduce visual impairment (VI). VI prevalence and covariates were assessed to guide prevention strategies.

Methods: We analyzed 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for 4743 New Mexico adults aged ≥40 years. VI was defined as any difficulty with near or far vision, while wearing glasses or contact lenses for those using them. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) from complex-survey logistic regression and weighted percentages were calculated.

Results: VI prevalence was 44.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.1–46.8) and was significantly more prevalent among Hispanics (52.3%; 95% CI: 48.9%–55.7%) and American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) (51.6%; 95% CI: 43.2%–59.9%) than non-Hispanic whites (40.5%; 95% CI: 38.3%–42.9%). VI was significantly associated with ages 40–64 years (aOR:1.28; 95% CI: 1.04–1.57), unemployment (aOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.24–3.28), no college education (aOR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13–1.66), annual household income ≤$49,999 (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.10–1.63), inability to visit doctor because of cost (aOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.23–2.11), and no eye-care visit in ≥2 years (aOR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.16–1.74).

Conclusions: VI prevalence was highest among Hispanics and AI/ANs and was associated with middle age, limited care access, and lower socioeconomic status. VI disparities should be addressed through a vision health initiative that increases access to eye care services among groups at high risk.