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- VSP Contributor, 26 Mar 2025
Eye Health in the U.S. — Why Eye Exams Matter
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Our eyes are integral to our daily lives, helping us navigate the world and interact with the people around us. Unfortunately, it can be easy to not worry about eye health until a problem appears. In the U.S., vision impairment and eye-related conditions affect millions of people, across all age groups and demographics.
The good news is that regular eye exams can catch vision issues early, potentially saving your sight or preventing further damage, and vision coverage can make these exams more affordable.
In this article, we’ll explore various factors that affect eye health in the U.S. and highlight why getting an annual eye exam is crucial for everyone, regardless of age or background.
As we age, our risk for vision problems increases, from vision impairment to blindness. Currently, about 1 million people in the U.S. ages 40 or older are blind. Even more concerning, The National Institute of Health estimates visual impairment and blindness will double in Americans by 2050.
Despite these numbers, there are things you can do to protect your vision. For people of all ages, proper nutrition can help with eye health.
While some vision changes are a natural part of aging, many eye-related conditions—such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy—are treatable if caught early. An annual eye exam can help in detecting these issues before they progress, helping to preserve your vision and quality of life for years to come.
Eye health is just as important for children as it is for adults. Early diagnosis of children’s vision issues is essential because kids often don’t realize they have vision problems or may not have the language skills to express issues with their vision such as visual blur.
Regular eye exams starting in early childhood can catch vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even eye diseases that could affect a child’s learning and development. Early intervention helps to correct vision problems and set the foundation for healthy sight throughout life.
Vision loss doesn’t affect different races and ethnicities equally. A National Library of Medicine study shows that non-Hispanic whites have greater incidences of AMD and cataract surgery, while non-Hispanic Black individuals have a higher prevalence of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to permanent vision problems. Black individuals may also develop eye diseases at earlier ages, making attention to vision health all the more important.
Access to regular eye exams and preventative care is crucial in managing these risks. People in higher-risk groups should take extra care to have comprehensive eye exams every year. Early detection of risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can go a long way in preventing vision loss.
The prevalence of vision loss varies significantly across the United States. According to the CDC, Maine was the state that reported the lowest rate of vision impairment at 1.3% of the population, while West Virginia reported the highest rate at 3.6%. These differences may be attributed to factors like age, socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and public health initiatives.
In states where vision loss is more prevalent, residents should be even more proactive about their eye health. Visiting an eye care professional for an annual exam is an essential step toward managing or preventing eye conditions that may be more common in certain areas.
Nursing home residents are disproportionately affected by vision impairment. The National Institute of Health reports that among nursing home residents, only 34% have normal vision, 42% are vision impaired, and 23% are blind. Poor vision for older adults can significantly impact quality of life, leading to increased falls, decreased independence, and feelings of isolation.
For elderly individuals, regular eye exams are even more critical to helping maintain their health. Conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma are common in older adults and can be managed effectively if diagnosed early. For those living in nursing homes, routine eye exams should be part of their overall healthcare regimen.
Kids love toys—and they receive lots of them as gifts. No matter the occasion for new toys in a kid’s life, it’s important for parents to be cautious and curious around their children’s toys. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) warns against giving toys that could potentially cause eye injuries, such as those that launch projectiles. Such injuries can lead to serious vision problems, including blindness, if not treated promptly.
The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the leading federal agency dedicated to vision research. The NEI works to reduce visual impairment and blindness through funding for sight-saving treatments, clinical trials, and educational programs. Through ongoing research, the NEI helps to develop better treatments and preventative measures for common eye conditions.
Their work emphasizes the importance of early detection, intervention, and proper management of eye health. Routine eye exams are an essential part of this strategy, ensuring that people of all ages have access to the care they need to protect their vision.
No matter your age, race, or where you live, getting a regular eye exam is one of the best ways to maintain your eye health. Vision problems often develop slowly and can be difficult to notice on your own, especially in children or the elderly. An eye exam can detect changes in vision before they become noticeable, ensuring timely treatment and better outcomes.
One effective way to make eye exams affordable is to enroll in a vision insurance plan, which can offer more comprehensive coverage than a discount plan.
Looking at your available plan options is a great way to start. VSP®, the largest vision insurer in the U.S., offers a Vision Plan Selector Tool to help find vision insurance plans that connects you to their sizable network of vision providers.
No matter what vision coverage you choose, the most important thing is ensuring you have access to the eye care benefits and savings to help maintain your vision and overall eye health.
Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon is Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vison Care where she helps drive strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness about vision, eye health and its connection to overall wellness, while providing insight into medical advancements that seek to benefit patient care. She also provides oversight of VSP programs to address gaps in care for some of the most high-risk populations, including those living with diabetes.
With more than two decades of experience as a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Sheety-Pilon has dedicated much of her time to clinical research across numerous ophthalmic subspecialties and has an established history of helping patients through novel therapeutic agents and clinical adoption of transformative technology in the areas of digital health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Prior to joining VSP Vision in 2019, Dr. Sheety-Pilon served as Adjunct Clinical Professor at Illinois College of Optometry, held various executive positions within the eye health industry, and has extensive experience managing and practicing within an ophthalmology and optometry practice.
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Get answers to common questions about VSP vision insurance, coverage, and benefits. Learn how to maximize your VSP plan and keep your eyes healthy.
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