Vision loss risk – Hispanics have a higher risk

by admin

Of adults at high risk, 40% did not receive an eye exam in the last year.

In 2017, approximately 93 million US adults aged 18 years or older, or about 4 in 10, were at high risk for vision loss, according to a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmologyexternal iconAmong adults at high risk for vision loss, about 40% did not see an eye doctor or receive an eye exam in the last year. Furthermore, among adults who reported needing eyeglasses, more than 8 million or about 1 in 11 adults, said they could not afford them.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative survey of noninstitutionalized civilians, were analyzed for this study. The analysis included nearly 33,000 survey respondents who were 18 years or older in 2017 and excluded adults who were blind or otherwise unable to see. Adults at high risk for vision loss included those who self-reported diagnosed diabetes, had vision and eye problems, or were 65 years or older.visual abstract of 4 in 10 adults at risk for vision loss. content above image

These results suggest improvements in eye care and affordable options for eyeglasses may prevent unnecessary vision loss. Annual eye exams are an important preventive care practice for people with diabetes, and early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease and other eye diseases can prevent irreversible vision loss.

Hispanics and Latinos Have Higher Risk for Vision Loss

Three generation Hispanic family standing in the park, smiling to camera, selective focus

Some conditions that are common among Hispanics and Latinos put them at risk for vision loss. If you are Hispanic or Latino, know your risk and take steps to protect your eye health.

Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can put you at higher risk for vision loss, and these conditions are more common among Hispanics and Latinos than non-Hispanic whites.

  • Hispanics and Latinos are almost 2.5 times more likely to have diabetes, compared to non-Hispanic whites.
  • 68% of Hispanics and Latinos have poorly controlled high blood pressure, compared to 54% of non-Hispanic whites.

Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the United States. High blood pressure can cause glaucoma. Because Hispanics and Latinos are the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States, by 2050, half of people living with glaucoma will be Hispanic or Latino. Other eye conditions that lead to vision loss, if not treated, are cataracts and uncorrected refractive error.

Conditions Affecting the Health of Hispanics and Latinos

In addition to having higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, Hispanics and Latinos are less likely to:

  • Have had an eye exam—which makes them less likely to get diagnosed and treated for eye conditions that lead to vision loss.
  • Participate in daily physical activity—which increases your risk of being overweight or having obesity and can lead to diabetes and other chronic conditions.
  • Be able to access health and eye care services—because of language barriers and/or health insurance coverage.

Social factors also play an important role in the health of Hispanics and Latinos. Social factors contributing to poorer health in this population are:

  • Living in poverty, increases the chance of not being able to afford medical services and devices such as eye exams and eyeglasses.
  • Lower levels of educational attainment. In fact, 1 in 3 Hispanics/Latinos do not complete high school.
  • Feelings of discrimination from physicians if Hispanic/Latino patients do not speak English.

Older woman receiving an eye exam

What Can You Do?

There is encouraging news: serious eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma can be detected and treated early, before vision loss occurs. Make eye health a priority for yourself and your family. Follow these simple tips for healthy vision:

  • Use protective eyewear. Protective eyewear should be used during high-risk activities such as working on the job, doing yardwork, or playing sports.
  • Learn about your family’s history of eye disease. Some eye diseases can be hereditary, such as glaucoma, so it is important to share your family history with your eye doctor.
  • Quit smoking or never start. It increases your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, and increases the severity of diabetic eye disease.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which lowers the risk for type 2 diabetes.
  • Manage your chronic conditions. If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to take your medicines as prescribed to help manage your condition.

related articles