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Study of eyeglass use reports unmet needs, sociodemographic disparities
A cross-sectional study based on Medicare data showed that a significant number of U.S. senior citizens need but do not use spectacle correction for both near and distance or could benefit from a new prescription.
Sociodemographic disparities in the use of eyeglasses were also observed.
The authors, a group of researchers at the University of Michigan, reviewed the data from the 7,497 responders to the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study, a survey of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years or older. Sample weights were applied so that data represented 43.9 million Medicare beneficiaries, of which an estimated 40.5 million reported using eyeglasses for either distance and near.
Of those who reported not using distance vision correction, 900,000 (2.0%) reported difficulty with distance vision. Of those who reported not using near vision correction, more than 650,000 (1.4%) reported difficulty with near vision. In addition, 2.7% of spectacle wearers for either distance or near reported difficulties related to insufficient or inappropriate correction.
Older age, non-white ethnicity, lower educational level and lower income were significantly correlated with lower rates of spectacle use and improper correction.
Maximizing visual acuity potentials is crucial for the health of older adults, as visual impairment is strongly correlated with falls, cognition, depression and quality of life. Covering the expense of spectacles for all might not be feasible, but forms of co-payment or targeted coverage for high-risk people are possible approaches, the authors noted.
“Policymakers will need to develop creative but appropriate solutions to this problem,” they wrote. “Some of the cost of providing eyeglasses could potentially be offset by reductions in falls, depression and cognitive decline in older adults.”– by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: Otte reported no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the study for all other authors’ financial disclosures.