Visual impairment and eye care among North Carolina adults : results from the new vision module questions in the 2006 BRFSS survey

SCHS Studies A Special Report Series by the State Center for Health Statistics 1908 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1908 www.schs.state.nc.us/SCHS/ No. 155 December 2007 Visual Impairment and Eye Care Among North Carolina Adults: Results from the New Vision Module Questions in the 2006 BRFSS Survey by Harry Herrick, MSPH, MSW ABSTRACT Objectives: Eye health and use of eye care have not previously been measured among North Carolina adults. In 2006, questions from the newly developed vision module were included in North Carolina’s BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) survey. In this study, we present data related to impaired vision, eye-care insurance, and recent eye exams. Methods: BRFSS survey results on visual impairment and vision care were available for 1 1,3 12 adult respondents age 40 and older. Impaired vision was defined as having at least some difficulty with near or far vision, even with corrective glasses or contact lenses if usually worn. A recent eye exam was defined as having an eye examination by a doctor or eye care provider in the past 12 months. Results: Among adults age 40 and older, the statewide prevalence of impaired vision was 3 1 .6 percent. The prevalence of impaired vision was highest among Americans Indians (39.3%) followed by African Americans (37.4%), whites (30.5%), other minorities (26.4%), and Hispanics (24.5%). Among those with a high risk for eye disease, 41.4 percent of diabetics had visual impairment. Overall, an esti¬ mated 41.9 percent of North Carolina adults do not have eye care insurance, and 36.3 percent have not had a recent eye exam. Among the two most common reasons for not having a recent eye exam, 52.1 percent of adults cited “no problem or reason to go,” and 24.5 percent indicated cost or lack of eye-care insurance. Conclusions: These new BRFSS vision module questions will serve as an important tool for monitor¬ ing eye health and use of eye care among North Carolina adults. North Carolina Public Health NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES