Probability of Having Vision Impairment

The CDC estimates that approximately 12 million Americans aged 40 and older have some form of vision impairment, including 1 million who are legally blind. Vision impairment is defined as best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40. Among all ages, about 93 million adults are at high risk for serious vision loss but only about half visited an eye doctor in the past year.

The leading causes of vision loss and blindness in the US are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. About 24.4 million Americans aged 40 and older have cataracts (the most treatable cause), 3 million have glaucoma (often called the "silent thief of sight" because it has no early symptoms), and 7.7 million have diabetic retinopathy. The risk of all these conditions increases significantly with age.

Early detection through comprehensive dilated eye exams is crucial, as many causes of vision loss are treatable or manageable if caught early. Cataract surgery restores vision in over 95% of cases. Anti-VEGF injections can slow wet AMD and diabetic macular edema. Glaucoma can be managed with eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery. Vision loss costs the US economy approximately $145 billion per year. The CDC recommends comprehensive eye exams every 1-2 years for adults over 60 and those with risk factors.