New report estimates vision loss costs the U.S. economy $51.4 billion

CHICAGO — A new report released by Prevent Blindness America estimates the costs associated with adult vision problems in the United States to be $51.4 billion, according to a press release from the organization.

The new report, titled "The Economic Impact of Vision Problems: The Toll of Major Adult Eye Disorders, Visual Impairment, and Blindness on the U.S. Economy," represents the third phase in an effort by the organization to improve eye care and promote governmental support of research, treatment and prevention of eye-related diseases, according to the release.

Two groups of health economists collaborated on the research effort. David Rein, PhD, of RTI International, and colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that vision impairment costs the U.S. economy $35.4 billion. The second research team, led by Kevin Frick, PhD, of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, estimated the financial impact to individuals, caregivers and others at $16 billion, bringing the total financial impact to $51.4 billion, according to the release.

The researchers determined the economic impact by analyzing direct medical and other costs, such as nursing home care and government programs. Individual costs included medical care expenditures and informal care costs.

The full results of the study are being presented at a national vision symposium being held today in Washington, D.C.