Visual impairment and age-related eye diseases

The leading causes of visual impairment (VI) and blindness in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases (ED). In 2008 the National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative household survey, included a special vision supplement. This supplement was used to estimate prevalence of VI and selected ED by demographic characteristics and diagnosed diabetes.

Among US adults 18 years and older, 61.8% reported wearing glasses or contact lenses. The estimated age-adjusted prevalence for VI and selected ED were: VI – 11%, cataract – 10.5%, glaucoma - 2.2%, macular degeneration - 1.6%, and diabetic retinopathy – 0.6%. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among persons with diabetes was 6.2%. About 31.9% of persons with cataract, 26.6% of persons with glaucoma, 39.3% of persons with macular degeneration, and 55.7% of persons with diabetic retinopathy reported having VI. 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.

VI affects quality of life with more than 20% of visually impaired adults reported having difficulties with daily activities such cooking, fixing things around the house, reading newspapers, and driving even when wearing glasses or contact lenses. 

The study provides nationally representative data on self-reported VI, selected eye diseases, and activity limitations due to VI to inform development of targeted public health initiatives to support those with VI.