Reasons for not seeking eye care among adults aged ≥40 years with moderate-to-severe visual impairment--21 States, 2006-2009

Abstract

In 2000, an estimated 3.4 million U.S. residents aged ≥40 years were blind or visually impaired. Vision problems place a substantial burden on individuals, caregivers, health-care payers, and the U.S. economy, with the total cost estimated at $51.4 billion annually. Although regular comprehensive eye examinations are essential for timely treatment of eye disease to maintain vision health, a previous study has shown that substantial percentages of persons do not seek eye care, despite having visual impairment. To ascertain why adults aged ≥40 years with moderate-to-severe visual impairment did not seek eye care in the preceding year, CDC analyzed data for 21 states from 2006-2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which found that eye-care cost or lack of insurance (39.8%) and perception of no need (34.6%) were the most common reasons given for not seeking eye care. Among those aged 40-64 years, cost or lack of health insurance was the most common reason (42.8%); among those aged ≥65 years, the most common reason was no need (43.8%). Identifying the reasons for unmet eye-care needs might enable development of targeted interventions to improve vision health among those with moderate-to-severe visual impairment.