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Nonrefractive visual impairment on the rise in US adults
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The prevalence of nonrefractive visual impairment in U.S. adults aged at least 20 years increased significantly in 2005 to 2008 compared with 1999 to 2002, a study found.
The increase may partially be attributable to a higher prevalence of diabetes, an associated risk factor that also increased across the same time span, the study authors said.
The investigators analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included a representative sample of noninstitutionalized U.S. residents at least 20 years old. Questionnaires, laboratory tests and physical examinations were administered to 9,471 participants in 1999 to 2002 and 10,480 in 2005 to 2008.
Nonrefractive visual impairment was defined as visual acuity of less than 20/40 aided by autorefractor.
The weighted prevalence of nonrefractive visual impairment in the study population increased 21%, from 1.4% in 1999 to 2002 to 1.7% in 2005 to 2008 (P = .03).
Statistically significant risk factors for nonrefractive visual impairment in both time periods were age, poverty and diabetes for at least 10 years since diagnosis. Lack of insurance was a risk factor in 1999 to 2002, and education less than high school was a risk factor in 2005 to 2008.
The investigators found a 22% increase in the prevalence of long-term diabetes overall (P = .02) and a 133% increase among non-Hispanic whites aged 20 to 39 years (P < .001).
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